Yash’s Toxic Teaser Sparks Religious Row + Christian Group Files Complaint Over Cemetery Scene
A fresh controversy has erupted around Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, with a Christian organisation formally objecting to scenes featured in its recently released teaser.
According to reports, the National Christian Federation (NCF) has submitted a complaint to the Central Board of Film Certification, the Film Chamber of Commerce, and senior state government officials. The organisation has raised concerns about specific visuals involving religious imagery.
The complaint highlights a sequence in which an intimate scene unfolds inside a car parked outside a cemetery, followed by a violent gunfight within the same premises. The cemetery reportedly features several Christian religious symbols, including a statue of Archangel Michael.
The NCF has alleged that the depiction of Archangel Michael in the teaser is inappropriate and has hurt the sentiments of the Christian community. The organisation has demanded the immediate removal of the contested visuals and has urged the makers to take down the teaser from digital platforms.
This is not the first time Toxic has faced backlash. Soon after its teaser release by KVN Productions, certain viewers criticised a graphic intimate scene, calling it unnecessary. A separate complaint was also reportedly filed alleging that the sequence outraged the modesty of women. Actor Beatriz Taufenbach, who appeared in the teaser, deactivated her Instagram account following the online criticism.
Directed by Geethu Mohandas, the film stars Yash alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. Yash has also co-written the project.
Toxic is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19 and is set to clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge at the box office.
Our Thoughts
Controversies around teasers are increasingly shaping pre-release narratives in Indian cinema. While creative freedom remains central to filmmaking, religious sensitivities often amplify public scrutiny. How the makers respond — whether through edits, clarification, or legal defence — could influence both the film’s perception and its box office momentum. With a major box office clash ahead, the spotlight on Toxic is only intensifying.