'Bad Girl': Varsha Bharath Discusses Her Film's Journey and Themes

Exploring the Depths of 'Bad Girl'

In her poem Advice to Women, Eunice de Souza advises, “Keep cats, if you want to learn to cope with the otherness of lovers.” This insight resonates with the complex protagonist of Varsha Bharath’s film Bad Girl.

The Tamil film centers on Ramya (Anjali Sivaraman), who grapples with personal dilemmas, romantic relationships, and a challenging bond with her mother, Sundari (Shanti Priya). The cast also features Hridhu Haroon, Sashank Bommireddipalli, Teejay Arunasalam, and Saranya Ravichandran, along with the presence of cats, which play a significant role in Bharath’s narrative.

Premiering at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam in February, Bad Girl received a NETPAC Award. The film, which includes music by Amit Trivedi, hit theaters in Tamil Nadu on September 5, followed by a Hindi dubbed version released recently.

Varsha Bharath, who studied electronic media at MOP Vaishnav College for Women in Chennai, began her career as an assistant director at 19, working with notable figures including Bad Girl’s producer, Vetri Maaran.

In an interview, Bharath elaborates on the Hindi version of Bad Girl, the autobiographical elements of the story, and its commentary on womanhood and romance.

Was the decision to create a Hindi dub made after the Tamil release? What distinguishes the two versions?

The idea was always in the pipeline. Anurag Kashyap believed the film would resonate well with Hindi audiences, and his team oversaw the dubbing process.

Initially, many suggested I should have made it in Hindi, but I felt a stronger connection to Tamil Nadu.

Aside from the language, the essence remains unchanged. We aimed to make the film accessible to those who prefer not to read subtitles, thus reaching a broader audience.

How much of your screenplay is autobiographical?

This film is deeply personal. It captures the feelings of alienation and loneliness experienced during school years, questioning self-worth and the need for validation from men.

In adolescence, the absence of male validation can lead to feelings of worthlessness and competition among women, which society often perpetuates.

As we mature, we confront new questions and unlearn past beliefs, realizing many misconceptions we held earlier.

While the film's events are fictional, I have experienced similar emotions and have been supported by friends, just as I have supported them.

Does Bad Girl feature cats? Are you a cat owner?

Yes, I have two cats named Karpi and Vellayan. They are incredibly important to me, and naming characters is often the hardest part of the creative process.

Was Bad Girl always the title?

Yes, and the character Ramya was always named Ramya, as I wanted a straightforward name.

Ramya contrasts with typical bubbly female characters. Was this intentional?

While such characters often evoke applause, they can create a disconnect. I didn’t set out to challenge the bubbly stereotype, but it naturally emerged as it contradicts my beliefs.

Ramya attempts to embody the bubbly persona, especially around her boyfriend's mother, but reveals her true self when alone or with others.

In slice-of-life films, we aim to portray the multifaceted nature of individuals, acknowledging that people are complex and not merely one-dimensional.

Ramya's relationship with her mother is pivotal. What influenced that narrative arc?

The mother-daughter dynamic is central to this story.

I wanted to depict two women who struggle to reconcile, reflecting my own experiences. Many of my friends share similar relationships with their mothers, filled with awkwardness.

Ramya's journey involves coming to terms with her mother, even amidst conflict. Their relationship is not about achieving a perfect resolution but rather a commitment to improvement.

The scene where Ramya hugs her mother was filmed just ten days before the release.

Was this scene absent from the Rotterdam version?

Yes, it was Vetri Maaran's suggestion to include it, emphasizing the importance of completing that narrative arc.

Initially resistant, I realized the value of this scene in portraying the mother’s character authentically.

Many viewers have expressed that this scene resonated with them, prompting them to reach out to their own mothers.

What led you to cast Anjali Sivaraman as Ramya?

Finding the right Ramya was a lengthy process. I needed someone who could portray both the teenage and adult versions of the character.

Appearance, personality, and political understanding were crucial. I wanted someone who wouldn’t judge Ramya and could embrace her flaws.

Upon seeing Anjali's Instagram, I was captivated by her striking presence and her role as a cat owner, which added depth to her character.

Despite her beauty, I needed someone who could embody Ramya’s insecurities. Anjali’s genuine nature and understanding of beauty politics made her the perfect fit.

What about Shanti Priya made her suitable for Ramya's mother?

Like with Anjali, I sought profiles for Sundari and found Shanti Priya’s Instagram compelling. Meeting her confirmed she was the right choice.

Convincing her to forgo makeup for authenticity was essential, and she embraced the idea.

Was casting male actors challenging for this film?

Hridhu Haroon had previously showcased his talent in other projects. He was accustomed to working with limited resources and women.

It requires generosity for male actors like Hridhu and Teejay Arunasalam to accept supporting roles in a female-centric narrative.

Sashank Bommireddipalli, who portrayed Arjun, needed to create a safe environment for Anjali during intimate scenes, which he did effortlessly.

His gentle nature made it easy for Anjali to feel comfortable, even when he had to portray a more aggressive character.

What was the audience's reaction to the film's release in Tamil Nadu?

Before the release, my producer advised me to focus on audience reactions rather than box office numbers. However, I couldn’t help but monitor ticket sales.

While I felt the film should have performed better, I acknowledge my ambition may have clouded my perspective.

Some criticisms regarding the film were disheartening, as they didn’t reflect its quality. I aimed to tell a genuine story, not one labeled as rebellious.

There was controversy regarding Ramya's upper caste background and claims of the film lacking radical feminism.

I respect differing opinions and encourage critics to voice their thoughts. While I disagree with some critiques, I believe in the importance of open dialogue.

Ultimately, my goal was to create a film that resonates with audiences and encourages self-reflection.