Yash’s much-talked-about comeback film is making headlines again and this time, it’s not just about the action. The teaser of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, has drawn objections from
a Christian organisation that claims certain visuals have hurt religious sentiments.
According to reports, the National Christian Federation (NCF) has submitted a formal complaint to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Film Chamber of Commerce, and senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. The group has raised concerns about specific imagery featured in the teaser.
In its representation, the NCF objected to scenes that reportedly depict an intimate moment inside a car parked outside a cemetery, followed by a violent gunfight in the same location. The cemetery shown in the teaser is said to contain multiple religious symbols, including a statue of Archangel Michael.
The organisation has stated that the portrayal of Michael, the Archangel, in this context is inappropriate and amounts to an insult. It has claimed that the visuals have hurt the sentiments of members of the Christian community. The group has demanded that the disputed portions be removed and has urged the filmmakers to take down the teaser from YouTube and other online platforms.
The teaser, released last month by KVN Productions, marked the unveiling of Yash’s first look from the film. Even before the latest complaint, the teaser had sparked debate over its bold content. A graphic intimate sequence had drawn criticism from some viewers, who described it as unnecessary and distasteful.
In a separate development, another complaint was reportedly filed alleging that the scene outraged the modesty of women. Amid the controversy, actor Beatriz Taufenbach, who appeared in the teaser, deactivated her Instagram account.
Directed by Geethu Mohandas, the film features an ensemble cast including Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. Yash has also co-written the project with the director.
Toxic is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19. At the box office, it will face competition from Dhurandhar: The Revenge, led by Ranveer Singh.
