‘Toxic’ teaser sparks row: Complaints over graphic scene, actor deactivates Instagram

Political leaders and women’s groups raise objections over a scene in Yash-starrer Toxic, prompting a complaint to the Karnataka State Commission for Women and a request for CBFC action.

The teaser of the upcoming film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring actor Yash, has landed in controversy soon after its release, with complaints pouring in over the inclusion of a graphic scene that has drawn criticism from political leaders and social activists.

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The scene, set inside a car near a cemetery, features Yash alongside a woman and has been described by critics as explicit and inappropriate for public viewing. The woman appearing in the teaser has been identified as Ukrainian actor and model Beatriz Taufenbach. Following the backlash, Beatriz deactivated her Instagram account. Users searching for her profile are now met with the message, “Profile isn’t available.”

Initially, there was confusion about the identity of the woman in the scene, with some reports wrongly naming another actor. Director Geetu Mohandas later clarified the matter by sharing a photograph on social media and confirming, “This beauty is my cemetery girl Beatriz Taufenbach,” putting an end to speculation.

The controversy soon took a political turn. On Monday, the women’s wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) filed a formal complaint with the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSWC). The party objected strongly to what it termed obscene content and demanded that the teaser be removed immediately from public platforms.

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In a letter addressed to the KSWC, AAP state secretary Usha Mohan stated that the scenes in the teaser were harmful to society. She alleged that releasing such visuals without any age-related warning could negatively affect women and children, while also insulting Kannada culture and undermining the dignity of women.

Acting on the complaint, the Karnataka State Commission for Women wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging it to take “appropriate action” regarding the content shown in the teaser.