Yash’s Toxic Faces Fresh Row as Christian Group Moves CBFC Over Teaser
Yash’s upcoming pan-India action film Toxic has landed in yet another controversy ahead of its trailer release. After previously drawing criticism from the Women’s Commission over a sex scene in the teaser, a Christian organisation has now filed a formal complaint alleging that certain visuals hurt religious sentiments.
Christian Body Raises Objection
The National Christian Federation (NCF) has submitted complaints to the Film Chamber of Commerce, the state government’s Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, as well as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The group has objected to scenes featuring imagery associated with Archangel Michael, claiming the portrayal is inappropriate and insulting to the Christian faith.
According to the complaint, the teaser shows a sex scene inside a car parked outside a cemetery, followed by a violent gunfight sequence within the cemetery premises. The location reportedly includes religious symbols and a statue of Archangel Michael. The NCF has demanded that the objectionable scenes be removed and has urged the makers to take down the teaser from YouTube and other platforms.
The teaser, which offered a first look at Yash’s character, was released last month by KVN Productions.
Earlier Controversy Over Teaser
The film had already sparked debate due to what some viewers described as graphic sexual content in the teaser. A complaint was filed alleging that the scene outraged the modesty of women. Amid the backlash, actor Beatriz Taufenbach, who appeared in the teaser, reportedly deactivated her Instagram account.
However, Toxic has also received support from within the film industry. Speaking at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival during a session titled Fearless Film Making, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap defended the project. Calling it “an extremely courageous attempt,” he argued that the outrage highlights cultural double standards, pointing out that male displays of machismo often go unquestioned, while female expressions of sexuality attract criticism.
About the Film
Directed by Geethu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups features an ensemble cast including Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair. The film is co-written by Yash and Geethu Mohandas.
Toxic is slated for a theatrical release on March 19 and is set to clash at the box office with Ranveer Singh’s highly anticipated Dhurandhar 2.
