Yash defends Toxic amid backlash, says women will have a blast watching it

Actor Yash pushed back against the criticism surrounding Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, saying the film’s trailer has created a misleading impression about its portrayal of women. Addressing women in the audience at a pre-release event in Hyderabad on Saturday, the actor defended director Geetu Mohandas and said the film will show that women can challenge expectations, express their vision and succeed on their own terms.Yash said audiences should not judge the film solely by what they have seen in its trailer. He particularly highlighted Mohandas, pointing out that a woman is at the helm of the big-budget gangster drama.“I want to say something to the young women out there. The director of this film is also a woman – Geetu Mohandas. I know that while achieving something in life is hard for anyone, it is twice as difficult for you. Society... they might not always be accepting. But the point is, people will scrutinise you – wondering what a woman can possibly achieve; I’ve heard such things myself,” Yash said.Geetu challenges assumptions made about women: YashYash said he believes Mohandas will use the film to challenge the assumptions surrounding women and what they can achieve. “This director will prove that every girl and woman can face any situation, express her thoughts and vision, and succeed in this society. Unlike the impression given by the trailer, this film truly gives a voice to women,” he added.He also urged women to watch the film before forming an opinion based on its promotional material. “Watch the movie, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll all have a fantastic time,” Yash said. The actor’s comments came after the teaser, songs and trailer of Toxic sparked debate over its treatment of female characters. Some viewers have questioned the portrayal of women in the promotional material, while others have pointed to the seemingly limited screen time of its female leads.He then recalled the expectations surrounding his career after KGF, saying there was speculation about which major filmmaker he would collaborate with and what commercial formula he would follow next. According to Yash, Mohandas did not approach Toxic from that perspective.“After KGF, people wondered which big director Yash would work with or what commercial formula he would adopt next... but she said, ‘I don't need the money; you have already given me plenty.’ I don't command respect because of my wealth; I am respected for my work,” he said.Watch the video here:Why Toxic has faced criticismThe debate around Toxic began with its promotional material. The teaser featured an intimate sequence involving Yash’s character and an unnamed woman, prompting criticism from some viewers over the way the female character was presented.The song Tabaahi, featuring Yash and Kiara Advani, also drew attention, with Kiara facing criticism over her intimate scenes with the actor.The trailer subsequently reignited the discussion, particularly over the apparent screen time of the female characters and the way women are represented in the film. At the same time, Yash’s gangster avatar and the film’s visual scale have been praised by sections of the audience. About ToxicDirected by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups is a period gangster drama starring Yash in a double role. The film also features Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Vasanth.Backed by KVN Productions and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is reportedly among the most expensive Kannada films made and has been shot in Kannada and English.The film, which has crossed Rs 25 crore in pre-sales, is scheduled to release in theatres on August 26.- EndsPublished On: Aug 23, 2026 16:17 IST