‘Is this scene toxic for you now…?’ Roopesh Peethambaran revives Geetu Mohandas’ ‘Kasaba’ debate

The release of Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ has opened an unexpected chapter from an older Malayalam cinema controversy. Actor and director Roopesh Peethambaran has brought up a scene from Mammootty’s ‘Kasaba’ while directly questioning filmmaker Geetu Mohandas over her views on the scene. Referring to a controversial scene from Mammootty’s 2016 film, Roopesh suggested that the criticism once directed at the film could now be viewed differently in light of the response to Toxic.

Roopesh shared a scene from Kasaba on social media and directly addressed Geetu, while also bringing up actor Mammootty and the criticism surrounding the earlier film.

Sharing the Kasaba scene, Roopesh wrote:

“Dear Geetu Mohandas, does this scene still feel toxic to you now? Or is ‘Toxic’ the real ‘Toxic’? Mammootty ikka, these kids haven’t watched any of your films from 1981 to 2016, that’s why. Karma is real. We all love you, Mammookka.”

Roopesh also included hashtags referring to actors Parvathy Thiruvothu and Rima Kallingal, as well as the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC).

The scene he shared was from ‘Kasaba’, a film that faced considerable controversy and criticism after its release, particularly over its portrayal of women and certain dialogues.

What did Parvathy say about Kasaba?

‘Kasaba’, directed by Nithin Renji Panicker in his directorial debut, starred Mammootty in the lead role. The film had previously come under criticism from Parvathy Thiruvothu, who objected to what she described as misogynistic scenes and dialogues.

Parvathy spoke about the issue at the Open Forum of the 22nd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Although she did not initially name ‘Kasaba’, her comments were widely understood to be directed at the film and Mammootty’s role in it.

At the time, Parvathy was hesitant to mention the film by name. Geetu Mohandas, who was also present on the stage, encouraged her to identify the film.

The remarks went on to become a major talking point, with the debate around ‘Kasaba’ continuing well beyond its release.

The controversy around 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups' began during its promotional campaign, with some viewers questioning the way women were presented in the film’s teasers and trailers.

The criticism centred on intimate visuals, female objectification and certain dialogues, with some arguing that the promotional material did not match the film’s earlier positioning as a story told through a female gaze.

The debate grew after more promotional footage was released, prompting actor Yash to defend Geetu Mohandas and say that the trailer did not show the complete picture. He maintained that the film does have a voice for its female characters. After the film’s release, Geetu also addressed the criticism, saying she did not believe she had objectified women in Toxic and asking audiences to watch the entire film before reaching a conclusion.