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Varsha Bharath: Embracing Humanity Over Purity in 'Bad Girl'
17 days ago | 5 Views
The recent teaser for Bad Girl, which was released a few days ago, has sparked a divided reaction on social media. The film, directed by first-time filmmaker Varsha Bharath, who previously worked as an assistant to Vetrimaaran, is a coming-of-age drama that follows a teenage girl from an affluent background. She exhibits rebellious behaviour that defies the traditional expectations of femininity in a conventional society.
When asked about her current feelings, Varsha shared with, “I am incredibly excited, and it’s an exhilarating experience. It feels like a continuous adrenaline rush. I only joined social media a few days ago because I want to explore every opportunity for my film. Having never been on social media before, I realized I would be missing out on important developments, and at this moment, I am just learning how to navigate these platforms.”
‘Social media is a scary place for women like me’
![](https://images.ottplay.com/images/bad-girl-1737869144.jpg)
The director further discusses the varied responses on social media regarding Bad Girl. "My close acquaintances have expressed tremendous support and highlighted the originality of the narrative. As someone who is relatively new to social media, I have only encountered positive feedback thus far. I am aware that negativity exists, but I have not personally experienced it," Varsha states.
The newcomer explains her previous absence from social media, attributing it to the tendency of individuals to present an idealized version of themselves, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. "Social media often creates an illusion where everyone appears as an actress or model. I am quite impressionable, and repeated exposure to such images can make me feel inferior. Therefore, I chose to distance myself from it. Currently, I am only engaging with it to promote my film. For women like me, social media can be a daunting environment. Some individuals manage it well and remain unaffected, but I do not consider myself one of them."
This perspective may also explain why Varsha has developed a protagonist who does not conform to traditional standards of perfection. With visible acne and challenging conventional notions of beauty, Varsha asserts, "She embodies the essence of an ordinary person, and we require more representations of women who do not possess flawless skin or hair. The societal pressure is immense; my mother never frequented salons yet led a fulfilling life and career without feeling the burden of such expectations. Nowadays, women feel compelled to present themselves perfectly before stepping outside. With rising costs, beauty products have become prohibitively expensive. While other metropolitan areas may be more fashion-forward, I have always perceived Chennai as a relaxed environment. However, the current trend suggests that one is deemed irrelevant unless they are impeccably dressed, which is simply unattainable, and I aim to challenge that notion."
‘Bad Girl questions who is a bad girl?’
Bad Girl is being released at a time when films such as All We Imagine as Light, Girls Will Be Girls, and Laapatha Ladies, which feature women narrating their own stories, are gaining prominence. Does this evoke a sense of liberation? “Liberation is a continuous journey, and women are increasingly sharing their narratives. While there have always been women filmmakers, appealing to a broader audience often necessitates that female characters be portrayed in a glamorous light to attract male viewers. We have yet to see authentic representations of Tamil ethnicity or dark-skinned women. Typically, those depicted as dark-skinned are often classified as wheatish by conventional standards. There is a noticeable distinction among female characters, ranging from the lead role to supporting roles and even the antagonist,” she responds.
In discussing the title, Varsha expresses, “I believe it prompts the question of who qualifies as a bad girl; who are we to judge what is good or bad? Women are capable of wrongdoing as well, and it is important to normalize this reality.”
Varsha has authored several scripts, and the concept of Bad Girl originated prior to the COVID lockdown, which the filmmaker later developed into a full script. “Initially, it was intended for an OTT platform, but that plan did not materialize. Subsequently, Vetri sir joined the project.”
She became associated with Vetrimaaran following the release of Aadukalam in 2011. Her collaboration with him includes projects such as Udhayam NH4, Vada Chennai, and Visaranai. "Typically, I engage in brainstorming sessions with the female colleagues I know, as well as other assistant directors. While Vetri sir often shares his ideas with me, he seldom has the opportunity to discuss my concepts. However, if I encounter any uncertainties, I do not hesitate to consult him. He is not someone with whom I can easily brainstorm, as his ideas are quite robust, yet he has consistently provided me with technical guidance. He has reviewed numerous drafts of the script. My primary role is that of a writer, and it is essential for me to express my ideas. He has never been involved in that aspect. Although he approaches his work with a director's mindset, even in his role as a producer, he does not engage in discussions about sales or commercial viability. Therefore, the narrative is entirely my own."
The film, which explores themes such as the sexual awakening of a young woman, has encountered some criticism on social media. "Women filmmakers have always had to contend with double standards. If I had replaced my female protagonist with a male character, the perception would have been entirely different. It would not have been subjected to the same scrutiny."
“I can make films only with what I have seen and grown up with”
Questions have arisen regarding the representation of the protagonist from a specific community in Bad Girl. In response, Varsha states, “I can only create films based on my own experiences and upbringing. If I venture into unfamiliar territory, it requires extensive research. However, human dramas do not necessitate this level of inquiry, unlike historical narratives. When I craft a human drama, I immerse myself in a world that is both familiar and personal. We do not inhabit a casteless society; caste remains a significant aspect of our reality, and every protagonist is associated with a particular caste. The decision to highlight this aspect is a matter of choice. One can either overlook it or incorporate it through nuanced details. I am uncertain if I have specifically targeted a community, but I have established a context. It is essential for everyone to critically examine their own environment at some point.”
Bad Girl is poised to premiere at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam shortly, where it will compete for the Tiger Award. Varsha concluded by mentioning that they are in search of an appropriate release date for the film.
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