Intense controversy over Yash’s ‘Toxic’ teaser; Women’s Commission sends letter over allegations of obscenity

Staff Reporter: PNN

The teaser of the film “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups,” starring South Indian superstar Yash, has sparked intense controversy since its release. The teaser shows intimate moments between Yash and a woman inside a car, along with consecutive scenes of killings. These visuals have triggered a wave of criticism on social media.

The female artist seen alongside Yash in the teaser is Brazilian model and actress Beatriz Taufenbach. Director Geetu Mohandas confirmed in an Instagram story that Beatriz acted opposite Yash in the teaser. Beatriz began her career in modeling in 2014 and is also a singer. Due to the social backlash, she has deactivated her Instagram account.

Labeling the teaser scenes as “obscene” and “sexually explicit,” the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, backed by the women’s wing of the Aam Aadmi Party, has submitted a written complaint. The complaint states that such scenes could have a negative impact on the social welfare of women and children and could hurt Kannada cultural values. The commission requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take necessary action. However, CBFC stated that since the teaser was released only on YouTube, it falls outside their jurisdiction. Certification is mandatory only for films and trailers intended for theatrical release.

Meanwhile, social activist Dinesh Kallahalli has written to CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi, describing the teaser scenes as “grossly obscene and morally objectionable.”

Responding to the criticism, director Geetu Mohandas wrote on Instagram, “I am at peace while people are trying to understand the language of female power.” On the other hand, director Ram Gopal Varma praised Mohandas for her bold decision.

Alongside Yash, the film Toxic features Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria. The film is set to release on March 19 and will face box office competition with Dhurandhar Part 2 on the same day.