Yash-starrer Toxic has landed in controversy over its A certification and depiction of graphic violence and misogynistic themes. BJP leader K Annamalai has now called for stricter enforcement of certification norms, while also urging single-screen theatres to prevent underage viewers from entering A-rated screenings.
K Annamalai on Toxic certification
When reporters asked him about Yash’s Toxic, he voiced frustration over the lack of strict censorship in India. Annamalai said he is not calling for bans but insisted that the Censor Board do its job properly, regardless of how big the star is. He also urged single-screen owners to stop letting underage kids into A-rated screenings.
At an event in Coimbatore, he referenced Toxic and said, “There is a need for stricter enforcement of standards for certification of Indian films, particularly when movies have graphic violence, disturbing imagery and misogynistic themes.”
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: On Actor Yash’s movie Toxic, We the Leaders Foundation Chief Servant K. Annamalai says, “….Regulations should be tightened….The censorship board must make firm decisions regarding which scenes are permissible, even in films starring major actors….”… pic.twitter.com/bclu82PgzU
— IANS (@ians_india) August 27, 2026
Annamalai openly criticised films reducing women to objectified figures, arguing that the normalisation of misogynistic themes deeply disturbs the viewing experience. He further argued that portraying men keeping multiple women undermines real progress. He said that cinema holds immense power to shape culture, and filmmakers must use it to empower. Annamalai’s speech is going viral on social media, with netizens agreeing with his opinion.
More about Toxic
After Toxic released on August 26, a photo shared on X showed a small child sitting on a woman’s lap inside a theatre. The post soon triggered a flood of reactions, with several users questioning how a child was allowed into a screening meant exclusively for adults, as the movie contains intimate scenes.
Yash’s much-awaited Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups arrived amid immense fanfare and sky-high expectations, but for some moviegoers, the excitement quickly turned into sheer disappointment. A screening reportedly spiralled into chaos as disgruntled viewers demanded refunds, with the situation escalating to such an extent that cops were called in to bring the angry crowd under control.
Talking about the box office, Yash’s Toxic earned Rs 101 crore net and Rs 120 crore gross across India on its opening day. Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas and stars Yash, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi and more in pivotal roles. The movie is screening in theatres now.
