Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Faces Backlash Over Alleged Misogyny as Box Office Numbers Soar
Bengaluru: While the high-octane gangster drama Toxic, starring Kannada superstar Yash, has shattered records with a staggering opening-day collection of over ₹104 crore, it has simultaneously ignited a fierce debate regarding its portrayal of women.
The film, which features a star-studded ensemble including Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth, has drawn sharp criticism from political corners. K. Annamalai, founder of the ‘We The Leaders’ movement and a former IPS officer, has launched a scathing attack on the production, citing concerns over what he describes as the “over-sexualised” and misogynistic depiction of female characters.
A Call for Stricter Regulation
Annamalai did not limit his criticism to the film’s narrative choices; he also directed his ire at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Questioning the board’s decision to grant clearance to the film, he argued that regulators must take a more proactive stance when it comes to the content consumed by the public—particularly children.
“Regulations should be tightened… The censorship board must make firm decisions regarding which scenes are permissible, even in films starring major actors,” Annamalai stated. He expressed deep concern over the massive reach of the film, warning that if such content is viewed by younger audiences, it risks normalizing problematic attitudes toward women.
The former politician emphasized the cognitive dissonance between social awareness campaigns and mainstream media output. “We go to every town and college and speak on women’s safety. But the censor clears this. Does the film give due respect to women? No,” he added.
Yash Defends the Vision
The controversy, which has sparked a heated conversation across social media, was addressed by the film’s lead, Yash, during the pre-release event in Hyderabad. Defending director Geetu Mohandas’s artistic vision, the actor urged audiences to look beyond surface-level interpretations.
“Society… they may say, they may not accept it, but the point is everybody will look upon you,” Yash said. He maintained that his respect in the industry is a result of his commitment to his work, expressing confidence that Mohandas’s direction would ultimately highlight the strength and agency of the women in the film.
“There’s a voice for women in this film, unlike how it is coming across in the trailer,” Yash insisted, encouraging fans—specifically young women—to experience the story for themselves. “Watch the movie and enjoy. All you girls, you will have a blast.”
A Record-Breaking Production
Despite the mounting controversy regarding sexualising women, Toxic remains a commercial juggernaut. Backed by KVN Productions and Yash’s own Monster Mind Creations, the film is reported to be one of the most expensive projects in Indian cinema. Shot in both Kannada and English, it aims to position itself as a global gangster epic.
Whether the film’s narrative truly empowers its female characters or if it falls into the regressive tropes identified by critics remains a point of contention. As the box office numbers continue to climb, the debate over the social responsibility of major star-led cinema shows no signs of slowing down.
