Toxic promo sparks debate over female portrayal and male gaze

The latest promotional video of Toxic has triggered a heated debate across social media, with viewers divided over its bold visual style and the way its female characters have been presented. While many praised the promo for its slick retro-gothic tone, grand production design and cinematic framing, another section of users on X and Reddit criticised it for what they described as a male-gaze driven presentation. The discussion has gained more attention because the film is written and directed by Geetu Mohandas, a woman filmmaker known for her distinctive storytelling choices.

The promo introduces several leading women through stylised set pieces. Nayanthara appears before a brightly lit vanity mirror surrounded by dramatic red drapes, Kiara Advani is shown making a glamorous entrance amid fire performers, Tara Sutaria is presented in a smoky lounge setting, Rukmini Vasanth appears in an action-driven moment with a handgun, and Huma Qureshi is seen leading a goth-punk group in a dimly lit dining space. These visuals helped the teaser generate buzz, but they also led to criticism from users who felt the characters were being highlighted more for glamour than depth.

Social media divided over Toxic teaser

Several users questioned whether the promo was designed to celebrate its female cast or simply use them as visual attractions in a larger action spectacle. Some argued that boldness and sensuality are not the issue, but the framing and tone of the scenes have created discomfort. Others said it was too early to judge the characters without watching the full film, pointing out that trailers and teasers often present heightened imagery without revealing the complete context of the story.

The debate also turned toward Geetu Mohandas’ creative choices, with some users expressing surprise that such a presentation came from a woman director. However, industry voices believe that the criticism may be premature. Filmmaker Hemanth Madhukar argued that one cannot assess the strength or relevance of the female characters based only on a promo. He said a film may demand glamorous portrayals, multiple heroines and large-scale action, and that bold visuals should not automatically be dismissed before the full narrative is seen.

CBFC talk and public reaction grow

The teaser’s closing dialogue has also come under scrutiny, with some viewers suggesting that it could attract attention during certification. A few social media users have even claimed that they may approach women’s rights organisations over what they see as excessive objectification in the promotional material. Whether this remains an online controversy or turns into a formal complaint is still unclear.

At the same time, supporters of the film say Toxic appears to be aiming for a pan-India action entertainer that blends glamour, style and intensity. They argue that social media reactions do not always represent the larger audience and that the final judgement should come only after the film’s theatrical release. For now, Toxic has succeeded in becoming one of the most discussed upcoming films, but the conversation around its promo shows how sharply audiences are now examining the portrayal of women in mainstream cinema.