13 August,2026 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Risheekaa Singh and Yash (Pictures via Instagram and X)
Kannada actor Risheekaa Singh has sparked a fresh controversy after publicly criticising the trailer of Yash's upcoming film Toxic, particularly its intimate and romantic scenes. In a video shared on social media, Singh expressed disappointment with the portions featuring Yash and questioned the actor's decision to be part of such imagery.
Addressing Yash directly, Singh said she expected the actor to show greater respect towards women. She also pointed out that he is a husband and father while making her objection to the intimate sequences clear. Her comments have since triggered a debate on social media, with fans and users divided over her criticism.
The actor's statement became particularly controversial when she warned Yash that she and others would ask him to leave Karnataka if, according to her, women were not respected. She said, "If women are not respected, we will make you vacate Karnataka." Singh concluded her video by repeatedly saying, "I am Toxic."
Her remarks quickly went viral, prompting a strong response from Yash's fans. A section of social media users questioned why Singh was objecting to scenes from a fictional film involving consenting adult actors. Some users also referred to comments made by women associated with Toxic, who have spoken positively about their experiences while working with Yash and the film's team.
Others dug up clips and photographs from Singh's earlier film appearances and photoshoots while questioning her criticism. At the same time, another section of social media users supported her decision to voice her opinion publicly and praised her for speaking about the portrayal of women in films.
The controversy comes shortly after the release of the Toxic trailer, which has generated considerable buzz for its scale, action and visuals. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film stars Yash alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria. The trailer has also drawn attention for its bold imagery and its portrayal of Yash's character.
This is not the first time Toxic has faced scrutiny over its intimate content. The film's earlier teaser had also attracted criticism, including objections from the Aam Aadmi Party's women's wing over alleged obscene visuals.
Singh, known for films including Kalla Malla Sulla, Benki Birugali, Kanthirava and Thuntaru, is the daughter of filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu and was also a contestant on the first season of Bigg Boss Kannada. Toxic is scheduled for a worldwide multilingual release on August 26, 2026.
