Filmmaker Geetu Mohandas has responded to significant public criticism regarding a bold scene in the recently released teaser for her upcoming film, "Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups," starring actor Yash. The teaser, which debuted on January 8, 2026, to celebrate Yash's 40th birthday, features an intimate sexual encounter.Mohandas addressed the backlash by sharing a note on social media that referenced "female pleasure."[livemint+7]
Controversial Scene Draws Fire
The "Introducing Raya" teaser for "Toxic" quickly became a major talking point on social media. It shows Yash's character, Raya, in a sexual encounter with a woman inside a car. This happens while violence, including explosions and gunfire, unfolds outside near a cemetery.Many viewers found the intimate moment unnecessary and criticized it for objectifying women.Some online commentators expressed surprise that a female filmmaker directed such a scene.[livemint+9]
The controversy intensified as critics highlighted Mohandas's past public statements against sexism and objectification in films.They argued that the "Toxic" teaser appeared to contradict her previous positions on gender representation in cinema.Specific criticisms included claims that the scene "objectified women" and had "misogynistic undertones."Some users felt the scene focused on the woman's body and expressions while the man remained hidden, questioning the portrayal of vulnerability and consent.[livemint+11]
Director Responds to Criticism
Amid the growing backlash, Geetu Mohandas took to her Instagram Stories to share a cryptic message. She wrote, "Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc etc."This statement was widely interpreted as her response to the ongoing criticism.Mohandas later identified the woman in the contentious scene as Beatriz Bach, referring to her as "my cemetery girl" on social media.This clarification suggested a deeper narrative significance for the character.[livemint+13]
Mohandas's comment aimed to frame the intimate portrayal as a commentary on female agency and experience.She implied these are issues that society is still working to understand and debate.Her post was also shared by actress Rima Kallingal.[livemint+8]
Divided Public and Industry Reactions
Mohandas's response sparked further divided reactions among the public and within the film industry. Some supporters defended her creative choices, arguing that "Toxic" is a deliberately stylized and darker film.They emphasized that artistic freedom allows filmmakers to explore complex and controversial themes.Director Ram Gopal Varma praised Mohandas, calling her "the ultimate symbol of Women Empowerment" and stating that "no male director is man enough in comparison to this Woman."[livemint+10]
However, other social media users continued to criticize Mohandas. They accused her of deflecting from the core issue and using the scene for "shock value."Some argued that the scene still objectified the woman and failed to offer a progressive representation of female sexuality.One user commented that the scene seemed to "celebrate peak masculinity through objectifying women as a sex toy."Another critic stated, "Calling it 'consensual' is a reach. The scene is clearly meant to establish the character. She's merely used as a weapon!"These comments highlighted concerns about the scene's intent and its contribution to the narrative.[mensxp+6]
About the Film "Toxic"
"Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups" is a highly anticipated gangster drama set in 1980s Goa.The film is co-written by lead actor Yash and director Geetu Mohandas.It features a formidable cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth.The teaser, which introduced Yash as the character Raya, showcased a dark and intense world.[mid-day+12]
The movie is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026.It is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned for Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.The teaser itself achieved a record-breaking viewership, garnering over 220 million views across various social media platforms in its first 24 hours.This massive viewership underscores the significant buzz surrounding Yash's first film since his blockbuster "KGF: Chapter 2" in 2022.[currentaffairs+7]
Mohandas has also expressed immense pride in Yash's performance as Raya. She described him as a "rare fusion of talent and superstardom" and praised his discipline and dedication to the film.She stated that his role in "Toxic" is "a chapter he carved into his own artistic legacy."[hindustantimes+4]
The ongoing debate surrounding the "Toxic" teaser highlights the complex discussions around artistic freedom, gender representation, and audience expectations in contemporary cinema. The controversy has undeniably amplified attention on the film ahead of its March 2026 release.[inews]
