Shanthi Priya, the seasoned actress known for her work alongside Akshay Kumar in the 1994 film Ikke Pe Ikka, has made a triumphant return to the silver screen after a 31-year hiatus with the Tamil film Bad Girl. Directed by Varsha Bharath, a former assistant to acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran, and produced by Vetrimaaran himself, the film features Shanthi Priya as Sundari, the mother of the character Ramya, played by Anjali Sivaraman. The actress described her comeback as a deeply emotional experience, likening it to “returning to my mum’s house.”

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shanthi Priya shared her exhilaration about the project, stating, “I felt like I was reborn. It was amazing, and that too coming on a silver screen… coming back to the place where my journey began.” Her involvement in Bad Girl began with a spontaneous call from the casting director, followed by a conversation with director Varsha Bharath. Shanthi was captivated by Varsha’s confident narration of the story, which immersed her in the character of Sundari. “She was like a pro. I was totally immersed in the character,” she recalled, noting that the climax moved her to tears, prompting an immediate commitment to the role.

Shanthi Priya’s decision to join the project was also influenced by her belief in nurturing new talent, a value rooted in her own experience as a newcomer 35 years ago. She praised Varsha’s clarity and vision, revealing that no audition was required for her casting. “Gender was never a factor in my choices,” Shanthi emphasized, expressing her enthusiasm for supporting a debut director. The collaboration proved seamless, with Varsha’s professional approach leaving a lasting impression on the veteran actress.

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An intriguing anecdote emerged during the casting process: Varsha was initially unaware of Shanthi Priya’s earlier South Indian film identity as Nishanthi. Shanthi shared, “She knew Shanthi Priya from Instagram. Later, her mother recognized me as Nishanthi, saying, ‘My generation knows her as Nishanthi.’” This revelation highlighted Shanthi’s enduring legacy in South Indian cinema, bridging generational recognition and adding a nostalgic layer to her comeback.

Bad Girl marks a significant milestone for Shanthi Priya, whose return has generated buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. With a powerful narrative and a talented ensemble, the film underscores her ability to resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring her cinematic roots. As Bad Girl garners attention, Shanthi Priya’s heartfelt performance as Sundari is poised to reaffirm her status as a versatile and enduring talent in Indian cinema.

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