Bengaluru/IBNS=CMEDIA: Accusations of objectification, glorification of sexual exploitation and the “male gaze” have put the teaser of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale at the centre of a social media storm, reigniting the debate over the portrayal of women in Indian cinema.
The teaser, unveiled by the makers on Wednesday to introduce the film’s female characters, features Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.
While it generated excitement among fans, a section of netizens criticised what they described as an overtly sexualised depiction of women.
Reactions
WTF. #ToxicTeaser is glorifying sexual abuse & exploitation of women.
Dialogues like “Men’s cock” etc are below the dignity. I’m totally DISGUSTED. #Toxic
How can a woman like #GeetuMohandas make a SHIT like this? And how come @NayantharaU, @advani_kiara, @rukminitweets,… https://t.co/sGCodezzHh
— Vishwajit Patil (@_PatilVishwajit) July 1, 2026
There’s male gaze. And then there’s the latest #Toxic teaser. That last scene…. It’s actually disturbing that someone actually wrote it, it was cleared and was even shot!
— Agnivo Niyogi (অগ্নিভ নিয়োগী) (@Aagan86) July 1, 2026
#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 pic.twitter.com/uj6OicyDha
— Kerala Box Office (@KeralaBxOffce) July 1, 2026
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale is a stylised action drama set against a dark, crime-ridden backdrop.
Packed with slick action sequences and punchy dialogues, the teaser has positioned the film as a high-octane entertainer exploring themes of crime, power and revenge.
The film is shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, it will also release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.
After multiple delays, Toxic is scheduled to hit theatres on August 26.
