A teaser too far?
HL: A teaser too far?
Strap: Yash’s comeback film faces early trouble as women’s commission flags teaser over obscenity complaints
OB Bureau
The teaser of actor Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has landed the makers in the middle of a storm, with the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSWC) writing to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking action over alleged obscene content and objectification of women.
The move follows a complaint filed by the women’s wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has demanded that the teaser be banned and taken down from all social media platforms. Leaders of the AAP women’s wing met members of the commission earlier this week and submitted a petition objecting to specific scenes in the teaser.
At the heart of the controversy is a sequence showing Yash’s character in an intimate moment with a woman inside a car near a cemetery; a scene that has sparked sharp debate and divided opinion online.
Citing the petition submitted by AAP state secretary Usha Mohan, the commission, in its letter to the CBFC, urged the board to verify the content and take action as per rules, and to submit an action-taken report. Mohan alleged that the “obscene and explicit content” in the teaser was causing “serious harm to the social well-being of women and children”.
“The scenes, released in the public domain without any age-related warning, degrade the dignity of women and insult Kannada culture,” she said, urging authorities to intervene immediately to uphold the cultural and moral values of the state.
The controversy comes just weeks after the teaser was unveiled on December 8 to mark Yash’s birthday, introducing him as ‘Raya’. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic marks Yash’s first film since the blockbuster success of KGF: Chapter 2 in 2022. The film has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in several Indian languages.
Following the teaser’s release, social media was flooded with speculation about the identity of the actress seen in the intimate scene. Director Geetu Mohandas later stepped in to quell rumours, clarifying via Instagram that the actress was Beatriz Taufenbach, after several reports incorrectly identified her.
While a section of viewers accused the film of objectifying women, even questioning the director in light of her past views on such portrayals, others rallied behind the teaser, defending its tone and artistic intent.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic boasts a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Akshay Oberoi. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, where it is set to clash with Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 at the box office.
With the women’s commission now formally stepping in and the CBFC under pressure to respond, Toxic finds itself battling controversy well before its date with theatres.
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HL: BBK 12 crowns winner tomorrow
OB Bureau
The countdown to the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 grand finale has officially begun, and the pressure inside the house just spiked with the season’s last mid-week eviction. Dhruvanth was shown the door after audience voting closed on Tuesday, January 13, tightening the race as the show hurtles towards its climax on Colors Kannada.
With Dhruvanth’s exit, the field narrows further, sharpening the focus on who will survive the final stretch and make it to the coveted top six. After weeks of gruelling tasks, surprise twists and nail-biting public votes, viewers are now watching every move closely as the finale looms.
After days of speculation, the channel and makers have locked January 18 as the official finale date for Bigg Boss Kannada 12. Sources say internal discussions had considered January 18 and January 25 as possible options, before the earlier date was finalised based on programming requirements.
One finalist, however, has already secured a front-row seat at the finale. Dhanush Gowda became the first confirmed finalist after winning the much-anticipated Ticket to Finale (TTF) task. The high-stakes challenge, designed as a major twist by the creative team, saw contestants battling it out for direct entry into the finale week. Dhanush Gowda emerged on top, earning immunity from eviction and sealing his place in the grand finale.
With one slot locked, the fight intensifies for the others. Gilli, Ashwini, Kavya, Rakshitha, Raghu and Dhruvanth were all in contention to survive the next eviction and advance closer to finale week — until the mid-week surprise ended Dhruvanth’s journey.
The latest twist follows last week’s eviction of Rashika Shetty, who exited the house after receiving the lowest public support. Her departure underlined just how tight the numbers have become, with every vote proving crucial in the final phase of the season.
As Bigg Boss Kannada 12 enters its closing chapter, the stakes have never been higher. With a confirmed finale date, a Ticket to Finale winner in place and back-to-back evictions reshaping the house dynamics, all eyes are now on who will crack the top six and who will walk onto the grand finale stage on January 18.
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HL: Appu lives on in textbooks
OB Bureau
Even in absence, Puneeth Rajkumar continues to shape Karnataka’s cultural and moral landscape. In a move that has delighted fans and educators alike, the life and achievements of the late actor, fondly remembered as Appu, are set to find a place in Karnataka school textbooks, ensuring that his legacy reaches the next generation.
Preparations are under way to include Puneeth Rajkumar’s life story during the next round of textbook revisions undertaken by the Karnataka Textbook Society. Officials have decided to consider the proposal formally as part of the curriculum update process, paving the way for students across the State to learn about the actor’s journey, achievements and social contributions.
Awarded the prestigious Karnataka Ratna posthumously, Puneeth Rajkumar remains one of the most loved figures in Kannada cinema. Born on March 17, 1975, he was the youngest son of legendary actor Dr Rajkumar and began his film career at a very young age. As a child artiste, he appeared in several acclaimed films and won the National Film Award for Best Child Actor for Hettada Hoovu, a recognition that marked him out early as a talent to watch.
His transition to leading man came in 2002 with Appu, a film that not only launched his adult career but also cemented his image as a youth icon almost overnight. Over the next two decades, Puneeth Rajkumar went on to act in more than 30 films, carving a space for himself with roles that blended commercial appeal with emotional depth. His performances, energy on screen and clean public image earned him a loyal fan base cutting across age groups.
Beyond cinema, Puneeth was widely admired for his social commitment. He actively supported causes related to education, healthcare and rural development, often contributing quietly without publicity. His humility and accessibility helped him connect with people far beyond the film industry.
By bringing his story into school textbooks, educationists believe students will be introduced not just to a successful film star, but to a role model whose life reflected discipline, compassion and social responsibility. For fans, it is an emotional milestone; a sign that Appu’s story will live on, not just on screen, but in classrooms across Karnataka.