‘Does This Still Feel Toxic?’: Roopesh Peethambaran Rekindles Debate Over Mammootty’s ‘Kasaba’ Amid ‘Toxic’ Success
The discourse surrounding Geetu Mohandas’ latest directorial venture, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, has unexpectedly taken a nostalgic and contentious turn. While the Yash-starrer continues to make waves at the global box office, the film’s title has prompted actor-director Roopesh Peethambaran to reopen a heated chapter from the history of Malayalam cinema.
Peethambaran recently took to social media to confront Geetu Mohandas directly, revisiting the 2016 controversy surrounding the Mammootty-starrer Kasaba. By sharing a specific, widely debated scene from the film, he challenged Mohandas’ previous criticisms of the veteran actor’s work.
A Challenge to the Director
In his pointed social media post, Peethambaran questioned the filmmaker’s past stance on “toxic” representation in cinema. Addressing Mohandas, he wrote: “Dear Geetu Mohandas, does this scene still feel toxic to you now? Or is ‘Toxic’ the real ‘Toxic’? Mammootty ikka, these kids haven’t watched any of your films from 1981 to 2016, that’s why. Karma is real. We all love you, Mammookka.”
The post suggests a direct comparison between the backlash Kasaba received upon its release and the current reception of Mohandas’ new film. Peethambaran’s move aims to highlight what he perceives as a double standard regarding how different directors are scrutinized for their creative choices.
The ‘Kasaba’ Controversy Explained
For the uninitiated, the 2016 film Kasaba became the center of a major public debate involving the portrayal of women and the conduct of the lead character, a police officer played by Mammootty. At the time, Geetu Mohandas and actress Parvathy Thiruvothu were among those who publicly criticized the film, arguing that the character’s actions and the narrative’s treatment of the female officer were problematic and regressive.
‘Toxic’ Gains Momentum
The debate resurfaces just as Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups is enjoying a massive run in theaters. Released on August 26, the high-octane action thriller has proven to be a commercial juggernaut, reportedly crossing the Rs 190 crore mark at the worldwide box office within its first two days, according to data from Sacnilk.
Amidst the commercial success, the film has also been the setting for personal moments. During a recent promotional screening in Bengaluru, Mohandas was captured in a touching encounter with an emotional fan. The filmmaker was seen embracing the fan, a moment that resonated with many on social media, showcasing a softer side to the director amidst the brewing ‘Kasaba’ controversy.
As the film continues to dominate conversations, it remains to be seen whether this latest jab from Peethambaran will elicit a response from the director or further ignite the ongoing debate regarding artistic expression and social responsibility in Indian cinema.
