Yash’s 'Toxic' faces scrutiny as Women’s Commission seeks action over 'obscene' teaser

• Indian political party's women’s wing filed a complaint over alleged obscene visuals in Toxic teaser
• Karnataka Women’s Commission has written to the CBFC seeking action
• Complaint claims teaser undermines women’s dignity and Kannada cultural values
• Teaser was released without age restrictions or warning disclaimers
• Film remains one of 2026’s most anticipated releases despite backlash

The teaser of the upcoming Kannada film Toxic, starring actor Yash, has landed in controversy after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Women’s Wing submitted a formal complaint to the Karnataka State Women’s Commission. The complaint alleges that the teaser contains obscene and explicit visuals that negatively affect the social well-being of women and children.

According to the complainants, the visuals undermine Kannada cultural values and compromise the dignity of women, especially because the teaser was released publicly without any age restriction or precautionary warning.

The complaint was filed by Usha Mohan, Indian political party Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State Secretary, who urged the Women’s Commission to intervene immediately. She called on authorities to direct the state government and police to withdraw the teaser and remove it from social media platforms.

Mohan also appealed for stricter regulations to prevent the circulation of such content in the future, arguing that public visual media must adhere to social responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

After reviewing the representation submitted on January 12, the Karnataka State Women’s Commission formally wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Commission asked the censor board to examine the teaser under existing rules, take appropriate action if required, and submit a detailed report outlining the steps taken.

The Commission reiterated concerns that the teaser’s content could harm minors and insult women by portraying them in a manner deemed inappropriate for unrestricted public viewing.

The Toxic teaser was released on January 8, coinciding with Yash’s 40th birthday. One particular scene has drawn widespread attention and criticism—a brief, stylized moment featuring Yash and a woman seated inside a car.

Shot in a dark, suggestive visual tone, the scene relies on imagery rather than dialogue. Critics argue that the framing is overly intimate and objectifying, while supporters claim it is cinematic and symbolic. The scene quickly became the focal point of online debate.

Director Geetu Mohandas responded to online criticism with a cryptic Instagram note referencing female pleasure, consent, and women navigating systems of power. Her response drew mixed reactions.

Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, however, publicly defended Mohandas, praising the teaser and calling her a symbol of women’s empowerment. He stated that few male directors could have executed such a scene with similar impact.

Despite the controversy, Toxic remains one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026. The movie boasts a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria. It is scheduled to release on March 19, where it will clash at the box office with Dhurandhar Part 2.

As the CBFC reviews the teaser, the outcome could shape not only Toxic’s promotional strategy but also broader debates around censorship, artistic expression, and cultural boundaries in Indian cinema.