Cinema VinesKannada star Risheekaa Singh has publicly criticized the trailer for the upcoming gangster drama Toxic, calling out the film’s portrayal of women and its use of a nude scene featuring lead actor Yash. In a video posted to Instagram, Singh accused Yash of disrespecting women, saying, “Beauty is what truly suits a woman, but respect is what truly suits a man, my boy. Why did you have to drop your pants like that you absolute monkey? You have a wife waiting at home so what's the need for flirting with actresses? We certainly don't support this new business of yours at all.” She concluded the clip with the bold line, “I am Toxic.”
Singh went on to explain that her concern stems from the way female characters are presented in the film’s teaser. She noted that the trailer shows five women, yet none are depicted in a “beautiful or complimentary manner.” She specifically questioned the inclusion of Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, asking why she was cast in a role that, in Singh’s view, reduces her to a “rate” dialogue. “I want Kannada cinema to grow and reach an international audience,” Singh said, adding that she is pleased a major film like Toxic is being made in Kannada, but she “did not like the way women have been portrayed in the trailer.”
Yash’s supporters have responded defensively on social media. One comment suggested Singh was “making this video out of frustration,” while another pointed out that the film’s director, Geetu Mohandas, is a woman and that Singh had not yet watched the full movie. A third fan recalled watching Yash’s earlier film Animal with family, implying that the actor’s treatment of women had always been acceptable.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas and produced by KVN Productions and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Toxic stars Yash in a dual role alongside Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara and Tara Sutaria. The film is slated for theatrical release on August 26. Singh’s outcry highlights ongoing debates about gender representation in Indian cinema and the responsibilities of filmmakers to portray women with dignity and respect.
