Yash’s “Toxic” Faces Backlash Over Portrayal of Women

Yash’s much-anticipated film “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups,” directed by Geetu Mohandas, released in theatres on August 26, 2026, carrying with it a controversy that had been building since its trailer first dropped: criticism over how the film portrays women.

What Sparked the Criticism

Promotional material, including the song “Tabaahi,” drew criticism on social media, with sections of the audience questioning the presentation of female characters and intimate scenes in the trailer. The Karnataka State Commission for Women wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification earlier this year, after a complaint from the women’s wing of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Karnataka unit, alleging the trailer contained content harmful to the social well-being of women and children.

Critics writing after the film’s release have been more pointed. Kannada politician and commentator K Annamalai said the film shows women in a bad light. A review in The Indian Express argued the film promised a voice for women but failed to deliver on that promise for its female characters.

How Yash and the Team Have Responded

Yash addressed the backlash directly at the film’s pre-release event in Hyderabad on August 22, defending director Geetu Mohandas and asking audiences not to judge the film’s treatment of women based on the trailer alone. He said the completed film offers “a voice for women” that isn’t reflected in the promotional material, and specifically credited Mohandas’s direction, noting that achieving success as a woman in the industry and in society typically demands more effort than it does for men.

Cast members have also spoken about Mohandas’s role in shaping the film. Kiara Advani credited the director for giving her character depth, while Huma Qureshi described working on the project as being part of a significant moment in the industry.

Where Things Stand Now

With the film now in theatres, early audience reactions are described as mixed, some praising Yash’s performance and the film’s visuals, while others continue to raise questions about the story and its treatment of female characters. Whether the completed film changes the pre-release conversation is something reviews and audience response over the coming days will determine.

Why This Conversation Matters

Debates like this one aren’t unique to “Toxic.” They reflect a recurring tension in Indian cinema between commercially driven, stylised storytelling and genuine, well-rounded representation of women on screen, especially when a film is publicly marketed around the idea that it centres women’s voices. Whether “Toxic” delivers on that promise is something audiences and critics are still actively debating.

FAQs

What is the controversy around Yash’s “Toxic”?

The film has faced criticism, starting with its trailer and promotional material, over its portrayal of women and intimate scenes, with some critics and commentators saying the finished film doesn’t deliver on its claim to centre women’s perspectives.

How has Yash responded to the criticism?

Yash has defended director Geetu Mohandas and said the completed film offers “a voice for women” that isn’t fully reflected in the trailer, urging audiences to watch the full film before forming a judgment.

Who directed “Toxic”?

The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas, known for previous work including “Liar’s Dice” and “Moothon.”

When did “Toxic” release?

“Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups” released in theatres on August 26, 2026.