The ongoing discussion about Geetu Mohandas’ directorial Toxic was recently escalated Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when a delegation of the Christian community brought the film to the attention of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. The group also has made grave objections to certain visual elements in the newly released teaser, which they say abuse sacred religious icons in a “derogatory and violent” setting.
The Nature of the Complaint
The teaser, featuring Yash in a gritty, high-octane avatar, includes a moment of religious iconography thought to represent the Holy Cross combined with drugs, alcohol and extreme violence,” the petition said. “The representation of our sacred symbols in a film called Toxic which also has this very grim backdrop of crime and depravity, is fundamentally offensive towards our religion,” said a community spokesman. The complainants have asked the filmmakers to:
- Remove or Modify the chosen frames containing religious elements.
- Issue a Public Clarification on the meaning of the visuals.
- Apply for CBFC Review of the digital version of the teaser although digital platforms currently bypass mandatory pre-certification.
A Mountain of Legal Challenges
This latest complaint joins the list of headaches the Toxic team is feeling. By late January 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Women’s Wing and the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had already moved the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the following:
- Obscene Visuals: Allegations of “sexually explicit” material unfit for family viewing.
- Glorification of Violence: Complaints that the teaser promotes a “toxic” lifestyle to minors.
- Cultural Disrespect: Claims that the film's tag "Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups" is disrespectful of the traditional culture of storytelling.
Filmmakers’ Stand
Director Geetu Mohandas and KVN Productions have said the film is merely an inventive work of fiction, aimed at an adult audience. Sources in the production suggest that the imagery is “metaphorical” and part of a larger narrative arc about redemption. The March 19, 2026 release date is looming, but for a long legal battle or a possible boycott, the makers might be forced to edit.
