The release of a special birthday teaser for the highly anticipated film 'Toxic,' starring Yash, has ignited a fierce online debate about the portrayal of women in cinema. The teaser, shared by the makers on the occasion of the actor's birthday, is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas.
Teaser Scene Draws Accusations of Objectification
Soon after the teaser was dropped, a particular intimate scene became the focal point of widespread discussion. A section of viewers and critics quickly labeled the visuals as representing peak objectification of a woman. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, with criticism mounting at a similar pace. What added fuel to the fire was the fact that the teaser came from Geetu Mohandas, a filmmaker who has previously been a vocal critic of the objectification of women in Indian films.
Director's Heartfelt Birthday Note for Yash
On the same day, Geetu Mohandas took to Facebook to share a long, emotional note praising the film's lead actor, Yash. She described him as "a rare fusion of talent and superstardom," calling it a formidable combination. Mohandas expressed immense pride not only in Yash's performance as 'Raya,' which the world is yet to witness, but also in the discipline and heart he brought to the project daily.
She emphasized that this role was more than just a performance; it was "a chapter he carved into his own artistic legacy." The director applauded Yash for questioning, challenging, exploring, and surrendering to the role, always in service of the story. She also praised him as a producer, noting that it's easy to overlook the depth beneath the surface of his whirlwind fame. Mohandas concluded her note by expressing gratitude for the trust, artistry, and friendship they share, stating he would stay with her long after the cameras stop rolling.
Social Media Erupts with Mixed and Strong Reactions
The director's Facebook post was soon flooded with comments reflecting a sharp divide in public opinion. The criticism was swift and severe. One user commented in Malayalam, implying that the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was asleep and would ban the movie once they saw the teaser. Another harsh comment drew a lineage of critique, connecting "KGF, Pushpa, Animal, Marco to Toxic" as a steady evolution of noise, narcissism, and nonsense.
However, there was no shortage of support for the director. One supporter commended Geetu Mohandas for showing a kind of courage "no man or woman in India has dared to show before," urging her to resign from WCC and leave politics behind. Others expressed pride and anticipation for the film's success, with one user writing, "Proudly hats off you dear geethu mohan das... Regarding toxic will win in your film career.. Am waiting..." Another comment philosophically noted, "Two worlds that were never meant to meet—yet cinema makes them collide."
The Ghost of Kasaba Returns
The controversy surrounding the 'Toxic' teaser has loudly resurrected an old industry debate. Years ago, Geetu Mohandas, along with actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, had strongly criticized a scene in Mammootty's film 'Kasaba.' The scene in question featured Mammootty's morally dark character grabbing a woman police officer by her belt. The criticism at the time led to significant backlash against 'Kasaba' director Nithin Renji Panicker.
While many had supported Mohandas's stance then, others had argued that she was ignoring the context of Mammootty playing a deliberately negative role. Now, with the release of her own film's teaser, Mohandas finds herself at the center of the same debate she once contributed to, with critics pointing out a perceived double standard. This has led to renewed discussions about consistency in criticism and the complex lines between character portrayal, artistic expression, and objectification in cinema.
