‘Toxic’ teaser violates decency norms, claims activist in CBFC complaint

Kannada superstar Yash’s upcoming film ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ has landed in legal trouble following a complaint filed with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over alleged obscene and morally offensive content in its teaser.

Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli has submitted a formal representation to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi , objecting to what he described as “ obscene, sexually explicit and vulgar scenes ” in the teaser released recently by the makers.

In his complaint, Kallahalli claimed that the teaser contains content that violates established standards of decency, morality and social responsibility , and is being widely circulated on social media platforms without adequate restrictions, thereby exposing minors and young audiences to allegedly impermissible material.

“The said trailer is being circulated widely on various social media platforms without any effective restriction, exposing the general public, including minors, to content that is legally impermissible and socially harmful,” the complaint stated.

The activist further argued that while freedom of speech and expression is protected under the Constitution, such protection is not absolute . Citing Supreme Court observations, the complaint asserted that obscenity and sexually explicit material do not enjoy constitutional protection .

Referring to provisions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 , the Certification of Films Rules , and CBFC guidelines, the complainant said that trailers and promotional material must conform to prescribed moral and legal standards.

Urging urgent intervention, Kallahalli requested the CBFC to review the teaser , remove the allegedly objectionable scenes, restrict its circulation, and initiate appropriate legal and regulatory action against the film’s director, producers and other responsible parties.

“The issue concerns public morality, protection of minors and the rule of law, and therefore deserves urgent consideration,” the complaint added.

The makers of the film are yet to respond to the complaint.

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas , ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ features Yash in the lead role alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria .

The film is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations , and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026 .