Here is the breakdown of the controversy that has legal notices flying.
The Complaint: "Insult to St. Michael" ✝️
The Complainant: The National Christian Federation, led by its president Pradeep Kumar.
The Objection: The group has taken strong exception to a specific sequence in the teaser that shows a gunfight and a romantic/intimate scene taking place in a cemetery.
The Specific Insult: They allege that these scenes are filmed in front of a statue of Saint Michael the Archangel, a revered figure in Christianity. The complaint states that juxtaposing "obscene visuals" and violence with holy imagery hurts the religious sentiments of the community.
The Demands: Apology & Removal 📝
The federation has sent formal complaints to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Film Chamber of Commerce, and the State Home Secretary. Their demands are clear:
Immediate Removal: The controversial scenes must be cut from the film and removed from all online teasers/promos (including YouTube).
Public Apology: The makers must issue an unconditional apology to the Christian community.
Legal Warning: If these demands are not met, the federation has threatened to initiate strict legal proceedings to halt the film's release.
Industry Reaction: "Don't Judge by Teaser" 🗣️
KFCC Response: In response to the growing backlash, Dr. Jayamala, President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), has urged the public and groups not to rush to conclusions.
The Quote: She stated, "A teaser is just a glimpse... Discussing the film before it has been reviewed by the Censor Board is premature." She emphasized that the board will ensure no community is wrongfully targeted before certifying the film.
SantaBanta Verdict:
With a release date set for March 19, 2026, 'Toxic' is running out of time to clear these hurdles. First, it was the "obscene" content, and now it is "religious sentiments." Yash's "grown-up fairytale" is proving to be a nightmare for its PR team.
