Shanthi Priya defended Bad Girl against criticism, stating it addresses societal issues, not specific communities. She supported Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap’s bold approach to storytelling.
Actor Shanthi Priya has come to the defense of the upcoming Tamil film Bad Girl amidst criticism from director Mohan G Kshatriyan. Kshatriyan had taken issue with the portrayal of Brahmins in the film, criticizing the involvement of Vetri Maaran, who is presenting the movie, and accusing it of targeting the community. Shanthi Priya, however, strongly disagreed with these views.
In her response, Priya emphasized that the film’s intention is to highlight significant societal issues rather than attacking any specific community. She pointed out that Bad Girl aims to shed light on important topics, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection. Priya argued that art, especially cinema, plays a vital role in addressing complex social themes and breaking down stereotypes, urging people to understand that the portrayal of a Brahmin girl’s life is not meant to be derogatory, but rather to present an authentic and raw narrative.
Siding with the bold storytelling approaches of Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap, Priya reiterated that their work challenges societal norms and tackles uncomfortable truths. She stated, “Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap are known for their bold and unflinching take on social themes, tackling inequalities and uncomfortable truths,” emphasizing that their goal is to spark conversations and promote empathy, not offend anyone.
Concluding her statement, Priya expressed that instead of viewing such films as an attack, they should be seen as opportunities for introspection and understanding. She believes that exploring the challenges faced by various communities in cinema adds to its richness and relevance, allowing for a deeper understanding of society.
Mohan G Kshatriyan had previously criticized the film, specifically targeting the portrayal of Brahmin families in a negative light, and had called for filmmakers to focus on their own communities instead. Despite this, Bad Girl, directed by Varsha Bharath, continues to garner attention for its approach to exploring complex societal themes. The film, which features Anjali Sivaraman, Saranya Ravichandran, and others, is set for a theatrical release later this year.