Bengaluru-based advocate Lohith Hanumappa has lodged a formal complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), targeting the teaser of Rocking Star Yash’s highly anticipated pan-India action thriller Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.
He alleges the promo features explicit adult visuals and obscene elements that could adversely influence children, demanding its immediate withdrawal or modification. In his strongly worded representation to CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, Hanumappa argues that teasers, trailers, and promotional videos freely circulating on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X must undergo mandatory pre-release certification, avkin to feature films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952
The CBFC, tasked with classifying content as U (unrestricted), U/A (parental guidance), or A (adults only), currently exempts promos, leaving them unregulated despite their viral reach.
The complaint spotlights Toxic’s teaser, released in late 2025 to massive buzz ahead of its 2026 Geetu Mohandas-directed release, for lacking age gates, parental advisories, or ‘A’-rated disclaimers. “Such content poisons young minds and erodes public morality when accessible without checks,” Hanumappa stated, urging producers—backed by Yash’s KVN Productions and Bombay Highlands LLC—to pull it offline or edit out objectionable scenes.
Hanumappa’s plea extends beyond Toxic, calling for nationwide guidelines mandating ‘A’ certification or bold warnings for adult-themed promos. He warns of mass protests against the CBFC if ignored, echoing past Sandalwood controversies like uncensored trailers for KGF Chapter 2 and Salaar, which drew similar flak for glorifying violence sans safeguards.The development reignites debates on digital regulation in India’s regional film industries, where stars like Yash fresh off KGF’s global success wield immense influence over youth audiences
Toxic: A fairytale for grown Ups which has Nayanathara, Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria and Kiara Advani as leading ladies is slated to release on March 19 clasing with Dhurandhar 2.