Kashyap Defends 'Toxic' Teaser: Indian Society's Hypocrisy Exposed

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly defended the teaser of the pan-India film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,' addressing controversy at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival. The film's initial teaser, released on January 8, drew backlash for a sexually suggestive scene featuring lead actor Yash.

Kashyap characterized the criticism as evidence of "cultural hypocrisy," questioning why explicit content featuring male actors is rarely scrutinized with the same intensity. He argued that society's discomfort with female sexuality contrasts sharply with its acceptance of male machismo on screen.

The teaser also faced formal complaints from the Aam Aadmi Party's Women's Wing, which submitted a petition to the Karnataka State Commission for Women, citing potential harm to social values. The female actor featured in the controversial clip reportedly deleted her social media accounts due to online criticism.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, 'Toxic' features an ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. The film, shot in Kannada and English, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on March 19, 2026.