The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has clarified that YouTube teasers do not fall under its jurisdiction, issuing the statement amid the controversy surrounding the Yash-starrer ‘Toxic’.

According to NDTV, CBFC sources said the teaser uploaded online does not come under the certification body’s purview, as only films and trailers intended for theatrical screening require approval. Officials added that no application for certifying ‘Toxic’ has been filed, and the board has not cleared any material from the film. As a result, the release of the teaser on YouTube has no connection with the CBFC’s approval process.

The clarification follows a complaint by the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Women’s Wing to the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, alleging that the teaser contains inappropriate visuals and should be taken down from digital platforms.

Complaint alleges ‘obscene visuals’

In its complaint, the AAP Women’s Wing claimed the teaser contains “obscene visuals” that threaten the state’s social and cultural fabric. It argued that the video’s public release–without age restrictions or content advisories–could negatively affect women, children and other vulnerable groups.

The organisation stated that the teaser undermines Kannada cultural values and “compromising the dignity of women”. The party urged the Commission to recommend action by the government and police to have the video taken down.

AAP State Secretary Usha Mohan, after submitting the petition, called for urgent intervention to prevent the spread of what she described as harmful content online.

Backlash centres on brief car sequence

Released on 8 January to mark actor Yash’s 40th birthday, the teaser quickly drew widespread attention. A short sequence featuring a woman in a car with the actor–shot in a shadowy, stylised manner–has become the focal point of the criticism, despite lacking explicit dialogue.

Segments of social media last week faulted director Geetu Mohandas for the “objectification of women”. Responding subtly on Instagram, Mohandas reshared a post from actor Rima Kallingal that read: “Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc, etc.”

Star-studded cast, major release ahead

‘Toxic’ features an ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi and Tara Sutaria. The film remains one of Kannada cinema’s most anticipated releases of 2026.

It is slated to open in theatres on 19 March, setting up a major box-office clash with ‘Dhurandhar Part 2’.