The latest promotional video for the upcoming Yash film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, titled “Ladies & Ladies,” was released on July 1, 2026. Instead of building excitement, the teaser has ignited a wave of anger across social media. Viewers are criticizing the film’s portrayal of women, calling it objectifying and misogynistic. Many are questioning how a teaser meant to highlight the film’s female cast ended up reducing them to mere visual props.
The “Ladies & Ladies” Teaser and the Social Media Backlash
The “Ladies & Ladies” promo was released to introduce the film’s leading actresses: Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi. However, users on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit quickly pointed out that the women received very little screen time. Many argued that when they did appear, it was through a lens of glamour and sexual appeal rather than developing their characters.
One user on X expressed their disappointment, stating:
“#Toxic New teaser dedicated to women, yet most of them are introduced through objectification rather than character. Never expected this from a director like Geetu Mohandas & #Yash.”
Another viewer questioned the creative choices behind the teaser:
“The nudity or s*xual language isn’t what bothers me. It’s the way it’s presented. There’s a fine line between sensual and creepy, and from what I’ve seen, #Toxic makers doesn’t seem to know the difference.”
The criticism was not just limited to the visuals. Some viewers called the teaser a “cringefest,” particularly pointing out a closing dialogue and a scene where a woman is on her knees as Yash’s character shoots her in the mouth. One social media user commented:
“What in the wild stone ad is this?”
Others expressed disbelief that a female director, Geetu Mohandas, helmed the project, with one comment reading:
“I can’t convince myself that this film was written and directed by a woman. It’s so painfully obvious that this movie is only going to cater to the male gaze.”
Director Geetu Mohandas Faces Hypocrisy Accusations
The backlash has been particularly intense for director Geetu Mohandas. Netizens have been digging up her past interviews, especially her criticism of the 2016 film Kasaba. Mohandas had previously spoken out against the film’s misogynistic undertones, specifically a scene where Mammootty’s character demeans a female police officer.
This history has led to accusations of hypocrisy, with critics arguing that Toxic seems to indulge in the same kind of objectification she once condemned.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kasaba director Nithin Ranjith Panicker took to social media to criticize Mohandas. He posted:
“When the ‘pseudo’ YOU forget YOUR own ‘GOSPEL’, hypocrisy blooms…and rot follows.”
In response to the outrage, Mohandas shared a video on Instagram with a pointed message:
“Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc., etc.”
This response was seen by many as a dismissal of genuine criticism.
Government and Legal Action Against the Teaser
The controversy has escalated beyond social media, leading to official complaints. The Karnataka State Commission for Women has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requesting action against the film’s makers. The commission cited a petition from the Aam Aadmi Party’s women’s wing, which alleged that the teaser contains “obscene and explicit content” that degrades women and insults Kannada culture. The petition specifically requests that the teaser be removed from all public platforms.
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About Toxic and Its Release
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups is directed by Geetu Mohandas and stars Yash in a dual role. The film is a pan-Indian project, shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The story is set in Goa and follows the rise of a drug cartel across three decades.
Initially set for a March 2026 release, the film was delayed and is now scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26, 2026. The film is jointly produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.
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