Rocking Star Yash is at the centre of several discussions on the internet shortly after the teaser for his upcoming movie, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, was released in conjunction with his birthday last week. Although the teaser created a huge stir, it’s a particular scene from the teaser that has caused controversy, thus bringing the previously made statements by the actor into focus once again.
What sparked the controversy?
The teaser begins with a graveyard setting, where Yash forcefully interrupts a funeral ceremony by bursting into a car. The character Raya has not been introduced on-screen, but before that, his character is shown sitting inside a car with a woman, accompanied by action scenes.
A certain set of audience members complained about this particular scene, stating that it’s not apt.
ALSO READ | Yash’s ‘Toxic’ teaser flagged as obscene; Karnataka women’s panel seeks CBFC action
AAP’s complaint against Toxic
Shortly thereafter, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) complained to the Karnataka State Commission for Women, objecting to what the party felt was "obscene" content in the teaser.
In the complaint, AAP state secretary Usha Mohan wrote, “The obscene and explicit content in the teaser of this movie is causing serious harm to the social well-being of women and children. These scenes, released in the public domain without any age-related warning, degrade the dignity of women and insult Kannada culture.”
The complaint added fuel to the ongoing online debate surrounding the teaser.
Old interview goes viral
This backlash came accompanied by a clip of a video that featured Yash from the Kannada chat show Weekend with Ramesh, which went on to do the rounds on the internet. In the talk show, the actor had spoken about how there were lines that he did not want to cross regarding the kind of roles that he picked.
Yash had also said, "I won’t do any movie scenes that I wouldn’t feel comfortable watching with my parents."
ALSO READ | Director Geetu Mohandas addresses 'Toxic' criticism
Fans respond on social media
The video elicited mixed responses from social media users who shared it widely.
Although some netizens teased the actor about the reemergent comment, his fans rallied to defend him. One user commented, "People change, their perspectives grow." Another user wrote, "I mean humans evolve..... He may believe that at the time and now his ideals have changed."
Another user commented, "If you don't like yash's movies, that's ok, dismiss those off. I didn't like KGF so much that I stopped the part 1 early off and haven't watched any of yash's other movies. But this where in early career someone might have a different opinion and will change it 15 years later.. we all do this. And It is only acting in scene. It isnt anything illegal/sinful, just acting."
About the film
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups also features Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, and Nayanthara. This movie is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19, 2026.
