Bad Girl Telugu Review: Bold Story of a Modern Woman

The Tamil film Bad Girl sparked several controversies during its initial release a few years ago. When the teaser dropped, it stirred strong reactions, with some alleging that it contained scenes offensive to the Brahmin community. The movie also faced multiple challenges during censorship before finally hitting theaters in early September. Two months later, it’s now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in Telugu (from November 4). Let’s take a look at how this film fares.

Story Overview

Ramya (Anjali Sivaraman), a young woman from a middle-class background, dreams of a loving relationship and a cozy home of her own. Over time, she dates three men — Nalan (Hridu Haroon) during school, Arjun (Shashank) in her college years, and Irfan (TJ Arunachalam) at her workplace. However, none of these relationships last. Despite having a caring mother and a loyal friend, society brands her as a “bad girl.” Why does this happen? What decisions does Ramya make as her life unfolds? The film explores these questions.

Review & Analysis

Society often treats men and women differently when it comes to relationships. While men are rarely judged for having multiple partners, women face harsh criticism for the same choices. Bad Girl highlights this double standard through Ramya’s journey, portraying her as an ordinary woman navigating her own desires and emotions.

Unlike many female-centric films that paint men as antagonists, Bad Girl focuses purely on the emotional and psychological side of a woman’s experiences—from adolescence to adulthood. It portrays that, regardless of caste or religion, women also have emotions, aspirations, and a right to choose their own path.

The film shows Ramya’s evolution—her first kiss in school, her romantic experiences in college, and her live-in relationship as an adult—all depicted in a realistic, non-judgmental manner. Society’s quickness to label independent women is the core theme of the story. The climax features a symbolic comparison of Ramya to a kitten, emphasizing innocence misunderstood by the world. Dialogues such as “A boy’s wound cannot be healed by another boy” strike a deep emotional chord.

Although early buzz suggested that the movie contained scenes targeting Brahmins, the final version does not seem to include any such controversial content.

Performances

Anjali Sivaraman delivers a compelling performance as Ramya, convincingly portraying the emotional depth and natural charm of a woman discovering herself. Veteran actress Shantipriya, who plays her mother, adds realism and sensitivity to the narrative with her mature performance.

Technical Aspects

Director Varsha Bharath deserves praise for her honest storytelling and ability to capture the mindset of modern young women — their hopes, struggles, and social challenges. Amit Trivedi’s background score enhances the film’s emotional tone, while the cinematography and production quality align perfectly with the story’s mood.

Bad Girl may not appeal to every viewer — its acceptance largely depends on one’s mindset and sensitivity toward gender and social issues. Some dialogues are bold and realistic, making this film more suitable for solo viewing.

Final Verdict

Bad Girl is a courageous attempt to portray the complexities of a woman’s identity and emotions in a judgmental society. It’s thought-provoking, sincere, and refreshingly different from conventional dramas.