Actress Shanthi Priya has defend her film, Bad Girl, amid controversy sparked by accusations from director Mohan G. A few days back, after the release of the film's teaser, the filmmaker slammed the makers for negative portrayal of Brahmins. The Tamil coming-of age-drama is written and directed by Varsha Bharath and it is presented by Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap.
Shanthi Priya will be seen playing the role of Anjali Sivaraman's mother in Bad Girl.
Reacting to Mohan G's post, the actress stated that Bad Girl aims to shed light on pressing topics rather than targeting any specific community. The actress believes that films should encourage dialogue and provoke thought, rather than be viewed as harmful or derogatory.
She also said that the intention of Anurag and Vetri Maaran is not to offend anyone but to spark a conversation about the intricacies of tradition.
"Art is a medium of expression, and cinema often reflects the complexities of society, relationships, and identities. Films like these aim to break stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives, often challenging societal norms across all communities, not just one. Portraying the life of a Brahmin girl (or anyone from a particular community) is not about bashing but about storytelling—presenting raw, authentic characters that represent reality," Shanthi Priya wrote on X.
Art is a medium of expression, and cinema often reflects the complexities of society, relationships, and identities. Films like these aim to break stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives, often challenging societal norms across all communities, not just one.… https://t.co/Z0njGJl1BD
— shanthi priya (@shanthipriya333) January 29, 2025
She added, "Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap are known for their bold and unflinching take on social themes, tackling inequalities and uncomfortable truths. Their intention is not to offend, but to spark conversation and encourage audiences to reflect on the intricacies of life and tradition. Art doesn’t have to align with everyone’s comfort zone—it is meant to provoke thought and promote empathy for experiences beyond our own."
"Rather than perceiving such stories as an attack, they can be seen as an opportunity for introspection and understanding. Every community has its challenges, and showcasing them in cinema adds to its richness and relevance," the actress concluded.
Bad Girl delves into the life of a school-going teenager navigating societal expectations and her own desires. The teaser of the film shows her ambition to find a boyfriend as she strives to live life on her own terms while facing criticism for her choices. The story takes an intriguing turn when she begins a budding relationship with a boy, however, she is shamed for it.
The teaser further shows how she becomes the person she always wanted to be after stepping away from her home.
Reacting to the teaser on Monday, Mohan G wrote on his official X account, "Portraying a brahmin girl personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from Vetrimaran, Anurag Kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy.. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family first (sic)."
The makers have not reacted to Mohan G's comment on their film yet.
Bad Girl also stars Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam, and Sashank Bommireddipalli are also a part of the film. It is gearing up for its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The film will hit the big screen in 2025, however, the makers have not announced its release date yet.