Risheekaa Singh has publicly objected to the intimate imagery in Yash’s Toxic, saying she expected the actor to show greater respect towards women. Her remarks have triggered a divided reaction online.
Kannada actor Risheekaa Singh has sparked a fresh debate around Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups after publicly criticising the movie’s intimate and romantic imagery.
Singh shared a video on social media in which she addressed Yash directly and questioned his decision to appear in scenes she considered inappropriate. Her comments have since circulated widely online, drawing both criticism and support from social-media users.
Risheekaa Singh questions Yash over Toxic scenes
In her video, Singh said she expected Yash to demonstrate greater consideration towards women and pointed to his status as a husband and father while expressing her disagreement with the intimate sequences.
Her strongest remark came towards the end of the video, when she warned that she and others would ask the actor to leave Karnataka if, in her view, women were not being respected.
“If women are not respected, we will make you vacate Karnataka,” Singh said.
She concluded the video by repeatedly declaring, “I am Toxic.”
The statement quickly became a talking point among Kannada cinema audiences and Yash’s followers.
Yash fans push back against the criticism
The actor’s comments have produced sharply different reactions online.
A section of Yash’s fans questioned the criticism, arguing that Toxic is a fictional film featuring adult performers and that scenes shown in a trailer should be understood within the context of the movie.
Some social-media users also pointed towards statements from women associated with the production who have spoken positively about their experiences working on the film.
At the same time, some users supported Singh’s decision to raise concerns about the portrayal of women in mainstream cinema and argued that actors and filmmakers should remain open to criticism of their creative choices.
The debate has therefore extended beyond the specific scenes in Toxic and into a broader discussion about artistic freedom, representation and the way intimacy is presented in Indian films.
Toxic has faced scrutiny over its imagery before
This is not the first controversy surrounding the film’s intimate content.
Earlier promotional material had also generated criticism, with some viewers objecting to the sensual imagery involving Yash and Kiara Advani.
The film’s promotional campaign has continued to attract attention for its mature tone, stylised visuals and portrayal of Yash’s character.
Yash himself has previously addressed the criticism, arguing that there is a distinction between vulgarity and scenes presented through an aesthetic filmmaking approach.
The actor has said that Toxic is intended for a grown-up audience and explores questions about social conventions and generational expectations.
What is Toxic about?
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups stars Yash in the lead role.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria.
The project has attracted substantial attention because of its scale, visual style and Yash’s return to the big screen following the success of the KGF franchise.
Its promotional material has presented a darker and more mature world, contributing to the discussion surrounding the film’s tone.
Who is Risheekaa Singh?
Risheekaa Singh is a Kannada actor known for appearances in films including Kalla Malla Sulla, Benki Birugali, Kanthirava and Thuntaru.
She is the daughter of filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu and also participated in the first season of Bigg Boss Kannada.
Her latest comments have placed her at the centre of the ongoing conversation around Toxic ahead of its theatrical release.
When will Toxic release?
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is scheduled for a worldwide multilingual theatrical release on August 26, 2026.
With the film already generating discussion over its mature themes and visual presentation, the latest comments from Singh are likely to add another layer to the conversation ahead of its release.
For now, the disagreement remains a matter of public criticism and debate. Singh has expressed her objection, while Yash’s previous comments have defended the film’s creative approach. Neither side’s position establishes a broader factual conclusion about the film’s portrayal of women; audiences will ultimately see the complete context when Toxic reaches theatres.
