Exploring the complexity of female relationships, Varsha Bharath highlights the emotional journey in ‘Bad Girl’.
‘Bad Girl’, a Tamil film now dubbed in Hindi, follows the emotional journey of Ramya, portrayed by Anjali Sivaraman. The narrative dives deep into her personal challenges, romantic relationships, and particularly, her complicated bond with her mother, Sundari, played by Shanti Priya. The film features a diverse cast, including Hridhu Haroon, Sashank Bommireddipalli, Teejay Arunasalam, and Saranya Ravichandran. Additionally, cats play a significant role in both the screenplay and the overall essence of the film, as mentioned by the filmmaker, Varsha Bharath.
Having premiered at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam in February, ‘Bad Girl’ won a NETPAC Award, marking a successful debut for Bharath, who studied electronic media at the MOP Vaishnav College For Women in Chennai. The film was released in Tamil Nadu on September 5, with the Hindi version, supervised by Anurag Kashyap, debuting shortly thereafter.
In an interview, Bharath explained the reasoning behind the decision to dub the film in Hindi. She noted that it was always part of the plan, as many had inquired about the possibility of a Hindi version. The move aims to reach a broader audience, particularly those who may not prefer reading subtitles. Despite the language change, the film’s core message remains unchanged, providing a personal narrative that resonates with viewers across demographics.
Bharath articulated that the film encapsulates the feelings of alienation, loneliness, and self-doubt experienced during adolescence. She reflected on how societal pressures can shape perceptions of worth, particularly among women. These themes, while personal, are also universal, resonating with many who have navigated similar experiences in their youth.
Though not strictly autobiographical, Bharath admits to having felt the same insecurities as her protagonist. She shared that while she has been the person offering support to friends, she too has faced moments of self-doubt and vulnerability. The inclusion of cats in the film adds a layer of warmth and relatability, as Bharath herself is a cat owner, expressing her affection for her two pets, Karpi and Vellayan.
‘Bad Girl’ is notable for its character development, particularly Ramya’s portrayal as a counterpoint to the typical bubbly, airheaded female characters often seen in cinema. Bharath explained that while she did not set out to deliberately challenge these stereotypes, the character naturally evolved to reflect a more complex, multi-dimensional individual. Ramya embodies both the desire to please others and the underlying grumpiness that surfaces when she is alone.
A significant focus of the film is the mother-daughter relationship, which Bharath describes as the central romance. The narrative explores the ongoing tensions and misunderstandings between Ramya and Sundari, reflecting Bharath’s own experiences with her mother and those of many of her friends. The film does not offer a tidy resolution, but rather emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting these complexities in their relationship.
One of the pivotal scenes in the film, where Ramya expresses her love for her mother, was added shortly before the film’s release at the suggestion of producer Vetri Maaran. This last-minute addition aimed to complete the character arc, highlighting the importance of striving for understanding, even amidst ongoing disagreements. Bharath’s commitment to portraying the authentic struggles of female relationships adds depth to ‘Bad Girl’, making it a relatable and poignant cinematic experience.
