The teaser ofToxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Upsdropped on Thursday, unveiling Rocking Star Yash in a fierce new avatar as Raya, instantly sending fans into a frenzy. Emerging from clouds of smoke, gun in hand, Yash delivers a ruthless confrontation amid a crematorium blast, creating a goosebump-worthy spectacle.
However, the excitement soon sparked debate as a daring car sequence featuring Raya and a seductive woman drew widespread attention online, triggering backlash and discussions about its necessity.
While many fans and industry peers applauded Yash’s thunderous return and director Geetu Mohandas’ bold vision, some viewers questioned the intimate scene, citing concerns over objectification. The fact that the sequence was directed by a female filmmaker added to the discourse, making the teaser a hot topic beyond its action-packed visuals.
Addressing the criticism, Geetu Mohandas posted on Instagram alongside actor Rima Kallingal, with the text:“Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc etc.”The post was widely interpreted as a response to the ongoing conversation about representation and agency in cinema.
Earlier, Geetu had praised Yash for his dedication and artistry, writing:“A rare fusion of talent and superstardom is a formidable combination. I am immensely proud of Yash, not just for the performance of Raya the world is yet to witness, but for the discipline and heart he brought to our film every single day. This is not just a role he performed, it is a chapter he carved into his own artistic legacy.”
Social media initially speculated that Hollywood actor Natalie Burn appeared in the intimate scene. Geetu clarified that the actress is Beatriz Taufenbach, though she did not reveal further details about the role.
Co-written by Geetu Mohandas and Yash, the film features an ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair.Toxicis scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026.
