After multiple complaints were filed with the CBFC over the 'obscene' scenes in Yash's Toxic teaser, the board has reacted, saying the YouTube video does not need a certificate. The board stated that online content is outside the CBFC's purview
Yash in Toxic
Yash's Toxic teaser, which was unveiled on January 8, marking his birthday, came under scrutiny after complaints were filed against it over an 'obscene' clip. The Karnataka State Women's Commission had written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking action on the teaser. Similarly, a social activist had also filed a similar complaint with the board. Now, the CBFC has broken its silence on the matter.
CBFC reacts to Toxic complaints
According to an NDTV report, sources in the CBFC have now clarified that the Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups teaser was released exclusively on YouTube and hence it does not fall under the certification body's jurisdiction. According to CBFC officials, certification is compulsory only for films and trailers made for theatrical presentation. As a result, any online promotional content that is released on digital platforms remains outside the CBFC's purview.
Censor Board sources further mentioned that no content related to Toxic has been certified so far, since no application has been submitted for certification yet. Consequently, the teaser released online has nothing to do with the CBFC's approval or certification process.
Toxic teaser controversy
Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli has filed a formal complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), objecting to the "obscene, sexually explicit and morally offensive scenes" in the teaser. According to the complaint document addressed to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi, the teaser of 'Toxic' contains "scenes that are grossly obscene, sexually explicit, and vulgar in nature.
"The said trailer is being widely circulated on various social media platforms without any effective restriction, thereby exposing the general public, including minors and young persons, to content that is legally impermissible and socially harmful," he said.
In view of the stated grievances, the complainant urged the CBFC to review the trailer, take necessary steps, including removing the aforementioned scenes, and restrict its circulation. He also sought appropriate legal and regulatory action against the director, producers, and responsible parties associated with the film Toxic. "The present representation deserves urgent consideration, as the issue involved concerns public morality, protection of minors, and the rule of law," the complaint added.
Similarly, the women’s wing of the AAP’s Karnataka unit submitted a formal complaint to the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSWC) against the teaser, seeking appropriate action, including its removal.
Consequently, the KSWC wrote to the CBFC. AAP state secretary Usha Mohan, in the letter, claimed, "The obscene and explicit content in the teaser of this movie is causing serious harm to the social well-being of women and children. These scenes, released in the public domain without any age-related warning, degrade the dignity of women and insult Kannada culture."
(With inputs from ANI)
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