Bad Girl

Bad Girl (2025) is an upcoming Tamil coming-of-age drama written and directed by Varsha Bharath. Produced by acclaimed filmmakers Vetrimaaran under Grass Root Film Company and Anurag Kashyap, the film stars Anjali Sivaraman in the lead role, along with Shantipriya, Saranya Ravinchandran, Hridhu Haroon and Reejay Arunasalam. Fusing raw humour with emotional exposure, Bad Girl had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on 7 February 2025, receiving early acclaim for its honest, unvarnished storytelling. The film will be released in theatres on 5 September 2025.

The story follows Ramya, a teenager growing up in a strict Brahmin household, as she battles societal judgment, conservative family norms, and her desires. In high school, she dreams of having a boyfriend and believes romance is cooler than academic achievements. However, after she's caught mid-moment of intimacy, she is embarrassed and brutally punished by her father. She feels hurt but not defeated and decides that after she finishes school, she will live by her own terms. She goes to college, enjoys independence, and plays with dating, alcohol, and breaking the rules she has lived by.

Anjali Sivaraman plays the character Ramya with raw, and relatable intensity, depicting the tumult of a girl wrestling between rebellion and self-discovery. The film also stars Shantipriya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, Teejay Arunasalam, and Sashank Bommireddipalli as friends and family, who either helped to shape Ramya's world or are instrumental in limiting it.

The teaser earlier this year drew a blend of praise and controversy. While the Madurai High Court initially ordered its removal due to scenes involving minors, the film ultimately secured a UA certificate. Viewers praised its honesty and sharp wit. Bad Girl promises to be a fearless, new voice in Tamil cinema thanks to its daring themes and standout performance by Anjali.