Sobhita Dhulipala has voiced her support for the Tamil film "Bad Girl," directed by Varsha Bharath and produced by Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap, amidst controversy surrounding its release. The film, starring Anjali Sivaraman in the lead role, has been the subject of debate since its trailer was released earlier this year.
"Bad Girl" is a coming-of-age drama that explores the life and desires of a young Brahmin woman named Ramya. The narrative delves into her sexual awakening and experiences, which ignited criticism from some groups who found the portrayal of a Brahmin girl in this light offensive. Some called for the film to be banned. Director G. Mohan criticized the film's producers for what he perceived as a negative depiction of Brahmins. He accused the filmmakers of "bashing Brahmin father and mother" and suggested they should "try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family first".
Despite the controversy, "Bad Girl" was released in theaters in September and later began streaming on JioHotstar this month. Sobhita Dhulipala shared her review of the film on her Instagram stories, writing, "Bad Girl had me smirking AND tearing up. I feel seen. Beheld. A film that ripens by the minute. Heavily recommend to everyone especially the girls. This one's for us y'all". She also gave a shout-out to director Varsha Bharath and lead actress Anjali Sivaraman, calling them "simply beyond".
Sobhita's praise for the film has been met with positive reactions, with many seeing her support as a courageous act in the face of controversy. According to reports, Shanthi Priya defended the movie by saying, "Cinema frequently reflects the complexities of society, and art is a medium of expression...The goal of portraying a Brahmin girl's life is to show real, unvarnished characters that reflect reality". She also lauded Vetrimaaran and Kashyap for their boldness in addressing social issues in their films.
"Bad Girl" premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in February. The film also stars Shanthipriya and Hridhu Haroon.
