The controversial Tamil film Bad Girl, directed by Varsha Bharath and backed by filmmaker Vetrimaaran in collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, is set to release on 5 September 2025 despite severe criticism and a damning court verdict against its teaser.
On 29 August 2025, the Madras High Court, in an order delivered by Justice P. Dhanabal, termed the teaser of Bad Girl as “child pornography” and directed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure its removal from YouTube within one month. The Court further instructed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) to monitor the issue and take appropriate action under existing laws.
The petition, filed by three citizens, alleged that the teaser promotes child sexual exploitation, violates the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and breaches provisions of the Information Technology Act. Justice Dhanabal observed that the video depicted school students in a sexual manner, warned that it could “spoil the minds of teenage children,” and described the continued online availability of the content as a “continuing offence.”
The Court stressed that the State has a constitutional responsibility under Articles 39(f) and 45 to protect children against exploitation. While refraining from initiating criminal prosecution at this stage, it left petitioners free to approach the authorities.
The teaser has also provoked sharp reactions from social groups. The Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association (THAMBRAAS) issued a legal notice to the filmmakers, accusing them of defaming Brahmin traditions. Critics have pointed to scenes allegedly ridiculing religious rituals and normalizing adolescent rebellion through sex, alcohol, and drug use. Actress Sanam Shetty and director Mohan G Kshatriyan have also spoken out against the film.
Despite the legal and cultural storm, Bad Girl, certified U/A by the Central Board of Film Certification, is scheduled to hit theatres on 5 September 2025.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
