Varsha Bharath's directorial debut, "Bad Girl," produced by Vetrimaaran and presented by Anurag Kashyap, has sparked significant buzz in Tamil cinema for its bold narrative and raw characters. The film stars Anjali Sivaraman as Ramya, a young woman navigating the complexities of adolescence and adulthood while grappling with societal expectations, desire, and self-discovery.

The film has garnered attention for its unflinching portrayal of its protagonist, Ramya, as she journeys through the tumultuous periods of her life. Critics have noted that "Bad Girl" doesn't shy away from depicting a regular girl's messy and relatable experiences, making her likable even in her most flawed moments. Sivaraman's performance has been particularly praised for capturing Ramya's exuberance, fear, and vulnerability. Shanti Priya's portrayal of Ramya's complex mother has also been lauded.

One of the most spirited sections of "Bad Girl" is Ramya's school years. This segment is rendered with sharp edits, humor, romance, and music, showcasing Ramya's interactions with her classmate Nullan via Yahoo Messenger. These interactions are portrayed with a genuine sweetness, and Hridhu Haroon, as Nullan, makes a memorable appearance. However, some reviews suggest that the film loses some of its initial playfulness as Ramya grows older, with the college portions becoming more predictable. Despite this, Bharath's attention to detail and empathetic storytelling continue to shine through.

"Bad Girl" has been recognized for challenging traditional portrayals of women in Tamil cinema. The film delves into the nuances of Ramya's relationships and her navigation of a patriarchal society without vilifying any particular community. Instead, it presents a spectrum of female experiences, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within familial and societal structures. The film emphasizes that women exist across a spectrum, from Ramya's mother, a working woman still bound by patriarchal norms, to Ramya, a more liberated soul.

The film has also ruffled feathers for its frankness. However, the director isn't pushing boundaries just for the sake of it. With empathy and insight, she guides the audience through Rama's journey, evoking a range of emotions. The audience roots for Rama's happiness and feels bewildered by her behavior in certain scenes, ultimately caring deeply about her.

"Bad Girl" has received international acclaim, including winning the NETPAC Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film is set to release in Hindi on September 26, 2025, indicating a growing recognition of bold, female-centric stories in Indian cinema. Anurag Kashyap has lauded the film as "one of the most original stories".