Yash’s ‘Toxic’ faces heat as AAP Women’s Wing lodges complaint over ‘obscene’ teaser

The teaser of the upcoming Kannada film ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’, starring Yash, has sparked fresh controversy after the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Women’s Wing lodged a formal complaint with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission. The organisation claims the teaser features “obscene visuals” that could harm the social and cultural fabric of the state.

According to NDTV, the complaint urges the Commission to initiate action against the teaser, arguing that the content is inappropriate for public release and could negatively influence women, children and minors accessing it online.

AAP alleges impact on morality and cultural values

In its submission, the AAP Women’s Wing accused the teaser of undermining Kannada cultural values and harming the “social well-being” of vulnerable groups. The party argued that the video was released without any age filter or content warning, thereby “compromising the dignity of women”.

AAP State Secretary Usha Mohan, speaking after presenting the complaint, called for swift intervention. She urged the Women’s Commission to direct the government and police to take down the teaser from social media platforms and emphasised the need for stronger laws to regulate what she described as harmful public content.

Commission begins process after receiving complaint

Officials from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission have acknowledged receipt of the petition and are expected to review it in line with standard procedures. No formal direction has yet been issued.

Flashpoint scene behind the uproar

The teaser, released on 8 January to mark Yash’s 40th birthday, quickly gained attention online–particularly a brief sequence featuring a woman in a car with the actor. Shot in a dark, stylised frame, the scene leans heavily on implication rather than dialogue, but has become the central point of criticism.

Last week, segments of social media accused director Geetu Mohandas of “objectification of women”. Responding through Instagram Stories, Mohandas reshared a story posted by Rima Kallingal that says: “Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc, etc.”

Industry reactions split

While Mohandas faced online backlash, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma strongly praised the teaser, writing on X: “After seeing the @TheNameIsYash starring trailer of #Toxic I have no doubt that @GeethuMohandas_ is the ultimate symbol of Women Empowerment ..No Male director is Man enough in comparison to this Woman .. I still can't believe she shot this.”

Film set for major box-office clash

‘Toxic’ features a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi and Tara Sutaria. The film is among the most anticipated Kannada releases of 2026 and is scheduled to hit cinemas on 19 March, clashing with ‘Dhurandhar Part 2’.