Toxic Film Makers Face FIR Over Alleged Illegal Deforestation in Bengaluru
Ahead of its highly anticipated release, the Yash-starrer Toxic has become embroiled in a significant environmental controversy that has now sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms like Reddit. The controversy centers on allegations of illegal tree felling within a forest area in Bengaluru to create a film set.
FIR Filed Against Bank and HMT Officials
According to reports from news agency ANI, a First Information Report (FIR) has been formally registered against the General Manager of Canara Bank and the General Manager of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT). The complaint alleges that a substantial portion of forest trees was illegally cleared on land under HMT's jurisdiction in the Peenya area of Bengaluru to make space for the construction of the Toxic film set.
Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre personally visited the site and confirmed the severity of the situation. "I personally visited the land where the Toxic movie is being shot. Hundreds of trees have been illegally cut down for the filming of the movie on forestland under HMT's jurisdiction, which is visible in satellite images," Minister Khandre stated to ANI. He emphasized that cutting trees on forestland without legal permission is a punishable offense and assured that necessary legal actions would be taken against those responsible for violating environmental regulations.
Satellite Images and Reddit Reactions Fuel Controversy
The controversy gained traction when India Today released before-and-after satellite images of the forest land, visually documenting the alleged deforestation. These images were subsequently shared on Reddit, where a user highlighted Minister Khandre's allegations, writing, "Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar has alleged that hundreds of trees were illegally felled on forest land within the HMT premises in Peenya, Bengaluru, to create space for the set of Toxic, starring Yash."
The Reddit community reacted with a mix of sarcasm and outrage. One user commented sarcastically, "Toxic: Coming not just in cinemas but in your lungs as well," linking the film's title to environmental harm. Another expressed frustration, stating, "What kinda stupidity is this? Destroying ecosystem for movies is not acceptable. Then what’s the point of studios being built?" Others simply noted the irony with remarks like "Living up to the film title" and "Really Toxic."
Additional Controversy Surrounds Film's Teaser
This environmental issue is not the only controversy plaguing the film. Recently, the makers of Toxic released a teaser that, while praised by many fans, also drew a complaint from the Aam Aadmi Party's Women's Wing in Karnataka to the State Women's Commission.
In response, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Prasoon Joshi clarified to India Today that the teaser had not undergone the censor board's certification process, as it was only a teaser. "I don’t think unless the things are applied to the certification board. Sometimes, I also want to clarify that a lot of things you see on YouTube and other digital platforms, at times they are not certified. So people think that everything they are seeing is certified," Joshi explained. He further noted that content on digital platforms like OTT and YouTube often bypasses CBFC certification, leading to public misconceptions.
Film Details and Release Date
Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, features a star-studded cast including Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Tovino Thomas, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi, and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is scheduled for release on March 19, where it will clash at the box office with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2.
As the release date approaches, the dual controversies—environmental and regulatory—have cast a shadow over the film's promotion, highlighting broader issues of ecological responsibility and content certification in the Indian film industry.
