Yash-starrer Toxic has drawn criticism from former BJP leader K Annamalai over its portrayal of women and alleged misogynistic themes. The period gangster drama, which reportedly earned Rs 104 crore on its opening day, has faced scrutiny over scenes that critics argue sexualise women. Annamalai, founder of We The Leaders, also questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the clearance granted to the film.

Annamalai argued that stronger regulations were needed when films depict women in ways he considers problematic. Criticising the certification process, the former IPS officer-turned-politician maintained that the censoring authority should take firm decisions about which scenes are appropriate, irrespective of the prominence of the actors involved. He also expressed concern about the potential influence of such portrayals on younger audiences.

Referring to the film’s reported first-day collection, Annamalai questioned what impact repeated exposure to such portrayals could have on children and society’s broader attitude towards women. He argued that the depiction of women in films should be considered alongside wider efforts to address women’s safety and dignity. According to him, problematic portrayals in popular cinema could undermine the messages about respect and safety that are being promoted through public outreach programmes.

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Yash, however, defended the film and its director Geetu Mohandas while addressing the criticism at the movie’s pre-release event in Hyderabad. The actor maintained that the film would offer audiences a different perspective on its female characters and argued that viewers should watch the complete story rather than form conclusions based only on the trailer. He indicated that the women in the film would be shown confronting difficult circumstances and expressing their ideas and ambitions.

Yash also encouraged women and girls to watch Toxic in theatres, maintaining that the film contains a strong voice for women despite the impressions created by its promotional material. His comments came amid growing discussion surrounding the movie’s treatment of its female characters and the broader question of how cinema represents women. The contrasting positions have added to the attention surrounding the film following its theatrical release.

Toxic is backed by KVN Productions and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations and has been described as one of the more expensive Indian productions. The gangster drama was filmed in Kannada and English and features Yash in a double role alongside Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Vasanth. With strong opening-day business and controversy over its portrayal of women, the film has emerged as a major talking point both at the box office and in public debate.

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