Teaser's Controversial Debut
The debut of the 'Toxic' teaser was met with immediate and divided reactions from the audience. The teaser, which served as the official introduction to
the film's characters, particularly Yash's character, Raya, adopted a bold and unapologetic approach. It didn't attempt to ease viewers into the film's narrative but instead, immediately demanded their attention. The teaser begins in a cemetery, with a sudden outbreak of violence, and the introduction of Raya. This opening scene was criticized by some and the actress in the teaser, Beatriz Taufenbach, had to delete her social media accounts due to the widespread criticism. The Women's Commission also condemned the teaser for its content.
Kashyap's Defense Stance
Anurag Kashyap, has come forward to defend the teaser. He attended the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival, where he addressed the criticism. Kashyap stated, in response to the hate and trolling, that the outrage expressed against the teaser reveals our cultural hypocrisy. According to Kashyap, society readily accepts male machismo and shirtless appearances on screen but struggles with the portrayal of female sexuality. This commentary highlights a perceived double standard, questioning why certain representations are more readily accepted than others. He called out the hypocrisy and drew attention to the unequal standards in the film industry.
Yash's Character: Raya
Yash's character, Raya, is introduced with a sense of authority. In the teaser, the character moves with a deliberate purpose, with every action and glance implying dominance. He does not rush or rage, but instead exhibits complete control. Armed with a tommy gun, Raya emerges through the chaos of gunfire and violence. The now-viral line, "Daddy's Home," serves as a warning rather than a punchline. The actor chose an unconventional way to introduce the film by spotlighting the film's female ensemble, including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria, signaling that this is not a star-driven spectacle alone.
