Superstar Yash faces trouble as ‘Toxic’ teaser lands in controversy; legal complaint filed with CBFC

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Kannada cinema superstar Yash’s upcoming film Toxic has been in the spotlight since the release of its teaser. While fans have shown strong excitement for the film, the teaser has now become the center of a serious controversy. A legal complaint has been filed against the teaser, accusing it of promoting obscenity, hurting social values, and having a negative impact on minors. Following the complaint, concerns have increased for the film and its makers.

Yash released the teaser of Toxic on January 9 as a birthday gift for his fans. The teaser quickly went viral on social media and received millions of views within hours. However, controversy erupted over a bold and intimate scene shown in the teaser. The scene features actress Sasha Grey, and several organizations and social activists have raised objections to it.

In this matter, social activist Dinesh Kallahalli from Kanakapura Taluk in Ramanagara district has filed a formal legal complaint against the Toxic teaser with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The complaint has been addressed directly to CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi. The complainant has alleged that the teaser contains scenes that are highly obscene, sexually explicit, and morally objectionable.

The complaint states that the Toxic teaser is being openly circulated on social media platforms without any age restriction or warning. As a result, children, teenagers, and young viewers can easily access the content, which may harm their mental and moral development. According to the complainant, such content goes against Indian cultural and moral values and its public display is legally wrong.

The complainant has further argued that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it is not unlimited. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed in the interest of public decency, morality, and social order. Citing several Supreme Court judgments, the complaint states that obscene and sexually explicit content cannot be protected under freedom of expression.

The complaint also refers to the Cinematograph Act, 1952, along with CBFC rules and certification guidelines. It argues that not only films, but also teasers and promotional material fall under CBFC regulations. Showing such scenes in a teaser is described as a direct violation of these rules. The complaint warns that failure by CBFC to act in time would amount to administrative negligence.

The complainant has demanded that CBFC immediately review the Toxic teaser and direct the removal of all objectionable and obscene scenes. A temporary ban on the public display and online circulation of the teaser has also been sought. Additionally, the complaint calls for legal action against the film’s director, producer, and other responsible individuals.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Women’s Commission has sought a report from the CBFC regarding the teaser. The commission has formally written to the board to inquire whether the content shown in the teaser was examined under prescribed rules and what action has been taken so far. This step was taken after a complaint filed by Aam Aadmi Party Karnataka State Secretary Usha Mohan.

The Women’s Commission has taken the matter seriously and asked CBFC to examine the teaser as per rules and submit a detailed action report. Further steps will be decided based on the report.

Toxic is one of Yash’s most awaited films and is scheduled to release in theatres on April 19, 2026. The film also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi in key roles.