Chennai, India – July 10, 2025: The much-awaited Tamil film *Bad Girl*, directed by Varsha Bharath, is set to release in theaters across India on September 5, 2025. The coming-of-age drama has already made waves internationally, earning multiple prestigious awards and critical acclaim. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the film with a U/A certificate, making it suitable for a wide audience with parental guidance for children under 12.
Produced by acclaimed filmmaker Vetri Maaran under Grass Root Film Company and presented by Anurag Kashyap, *Bad Girl* tells the story of a young woman navigating societal expectations, identity, and personal freedom. The film stars Anjali Sivaraman, with supporting performances by Hridhu Haroon, Saranya Ravichandran, Teejay Arunasalam, and Shanti Priya. The music, composed by National Award-winner Amit Trivedi, includes six original songs that have already garnered praise.
*Bad Girl* has shone brightly on the global stage, winning the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025, where it had its world premiere. It also secured the Young Jury Award for Best Feature Film at the 40th Cinema Jove – Valencia International Film Festival in Spain and a Jury Mention for Music for Amit Trivedi at the same festival. Additionally, the film earned the Student Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Toulouse in France and was screened at renowned festivals like the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
The film sparked debate earlier this year with its teaser, which depicted a young woman smoking and drinking, raising questions about its portrayal of caste and gender dynamics. Despite the controversy, director Varsha Bharath has defended the film as a universal human story. “It’s not about any one community—it’s about personal struggles and choices. I wanted to tell a story that’s real and relatable,” she said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how *Bad Girl* translates its bold narrative and festival success to the big screen. With its thought-provoking themes and stellar cast, the film promises to be a standout in Indian cinema this year.
