‘Toxic’ makers accused of sending legal notices over negative reviews; what we know

The conversation around Yash’s 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' appears to be moving beyond the box office and into a more contentious space online. Days after the makers secured a temporary court injunction against allegedly false and defamatory content surrounding the film, social media users and content creators have begun claiming that legal notices are being sent over posts and reviews of ‘Toxic’.

The claims, however, remain unverified and have not been independently corroborated.

The development comes after 'Toxic’ registered a record-breaking opening at the box office, crossing the Rs 100 crore mark. But while the film’s commercial start has generated plenty of discussion, another debate is now gaining momentum: where does protection against malicious content end, and where does legitimate criticism begin?

YouTuber shares alleged legal notice

YouTuber Suraj Kumar was among those who claimed to have received a legal notice in connection with content posted about ‘Toxic’. Sharing what appeared to be a screenshot of the notice on his X handle, @Surajkumarrevi1, he wrote, “Thank You Team #'Toxic 'For the Legal Notice on My Review.”

The alleged notice begins by stating: “We issue this notice on behalf of our client, KVN Monster Mind Creations LLP, the producer and copyright owner of the cinematograph film titled ''Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups'' ('Film').”

It further states: “It has come to the notice of our client that you have published, circulated, shared, posted and/or online media. The URL(s) presently identified in connection with such activity are set out below:”

Another X user, @itisprashanth, also claimed to have received a legal notice over a review of the film. In his post, he alleged that the notice had come from Yash and KVN Productions and criticised the move.

At this stage, the screenshots and claims circulating on social media have not been independently verified, and there has been no established public confirmation that legal notices are being issued to content creators simply for posting negative reviews.

What the court order on 'Toxic 'actually says

The legal dispute surrounding 'Toxic 'began even before the film arrived in theatres. On August 22, the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru granted an ex-parte temporary injunction in a suit filed by KVN Productions LLP.

The production house had approached the court over material it described as false, malicious, defamatory and derogatory content concerning the film. Several defendants, including X Corp, were named in the case, along with a John Doe defendant intended to cover unidentified individuals who may allegedly circulate such material online.

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The court said the material placed before it established a prima facie case in favour of the plaintiff.

“On perusal of all the documents produced by the plaintiff, I found that there is a prima facie case in favour of the plaintiff, the balance of convenience lies in favour of plaintiff. If the T.I (Temporary Injunction) is not granted, the very purpose of filing this suit will be defeated and it may amount to a multiplicity of proceedings. Therefore, without allowing the IA (Interlocutory Application) No. 1, as interim measure for the limited period T.I can be granted on certain conditions,” the order stated.

The court subsequently restrained the defendants from communicating, publishing, circulating, sharing, posting or otherwise making available material considered false, malicious, defamatory or derogatory in connection with Toxic, whether before or after its release.

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“Hence, issuing exparte temporary injunction order against the defendants from communicating, publishing, circulating, sharing, posting, streaming, providing access to or otherwise communicating in any kind of media anything false malicious, defamatory, derogatory, news concerning to film 'Toxic'; either prior or after its release,” the order added.

The order is not a ban on criticism

This distinction is now central to the discussion surrounding the alleged legal notices.

The injunction does not place a blanket restriction on reviews, opinions or criticism of ‘Toxic’. A viewer disliking the film, a critic pointing out what did not work, or a content creator giving the film a poor review does not automatically fall under the category of false or defamatory content.

The court order is specifically directed at material alleged to be false, malicious, defamatory or derogatory. That is a significantly narrower scope than a ban on negative commentary.

This is also why the claims now circulating online have drawn attention. If the alleged notices are indeed connected to reviews, the specific nature of the content in question would be crucial in determining whether it crosses into false or defamatory allegations or remains within the space of criticism and opinion.

For now, the claims of legal notices being sent to reviewers remain unverified. What is established is that Toxic's makers had already secured a temporary injunction before the film's release to prevent the circulation of content they described as false and malicious.

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The injunction will remain in force until the next hearing on September 28. The court has also made it clear that the order cannot be used beyond the purpose for which it was granted. If the plaintiff fails to comply with the conditions attached to the order, the temporary injunction will stand vacated without further notice.