Varsha Bharath & Anjali Sivaraman on 'Bad Girl' - Tamil Cinema's New Voice | InFocus | THR India

In this episode of The Hollywood Reporter India, host Anupama Chopra sits down with director Varsha Bharath and actor Anjali Sivaraman to discuss their groundbreaking Tamil film 'Bad Girl.' The coming-of-age drama, produced by acclaimed filmmakers Vetrimaaran and presented by Anurag Kashyap, recently won the NETPAC Award at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam. Varsha shares insights into her rapid 10-day writing process and the film's unconventional production approach, including shooting in her own home with a crew of less than 20 people. The conversation delves into creating the complex protagonist Rama, a flawed and relatable character whose journey from high school to her 30s challenges traditional portrayals of women in Tamil cinema.

The duo opens up about the creative process behind bringing Rama to life, from Anjali's transformation from Sabyasachi model to letting go of vanity for the role, to the careful decisions around how much the character should smile or cry. They discuss the controversial reception of the film's teaser, which sparked debates about representation and storytelling in Tamil cinema. Varsha and Anjali also reflect on the film's successful festival run at Rotterdam, where it received standing ovations and resonated deeply with international audiences. The episode touches on broader themes including the scarcity of female filmmakers in Tamil cinema, the challenges of telling women's stories, and how 'Bad Girl' fits into the changing landscape of Indian cinema alongside recent successes like 'All We Imagine as Light' and 'Laapataa Ladies.'