Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Sparks Religious Row Ahead of Release

Kannada star Yash’s upcoming pan-India film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has landed in yet another controversy ahead of its theatrical release. The latest issue reportedly involves objections raised by the National Christian Federation over the alleged depiction of religious imagery in the film.

According to reports, the organization has expressed serious concerns about the portrayal of Saint Michael, a revered archangel in Christianity. The group claims that certain visuals in the film show explicit content filmed in front of imagery associated with Saint Michael, which they believe has hurt the sentiments of the Christian community. Complaints have reportedly been submitted to government authorities and film bodies, seeking immediate intervention before the film hits screens.

The federation has demanded a public apology from the makers and has also called for the removal of promotional materials and online videos containing the controversial visuals. It has warned of further action if its concerns are not addressed promptly. So far, the production house has not issued any official response.

This is not the first controversy surrounding the film. Earlier, the Karnataka Women’s Commission reportedly raised objections over sexually explicit content shown in the teaser. A separate complaint was also filed alleging that certain scenes undermine the modesty of women.

Despite the controversies, the film’s first look received a strong response from fans. However, it also faced criticism from sections of the public for its bold and erotic undertones.

With multiple complaints already filed, the film may face strict scrutiny from the censor board before release. Given the reportedly bold content, intense violence, and religious references, several cuts or restrictions could be imposed.

Toxic is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, who also directs the project. The film features Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, Tara Sutaria as Rebecca, and Rukmini Vasanth as Melissa. It is scheduled for release on March 19.