Caught in controversy

Yash’s next film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, seems to have got caught into an environmental controversy. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre recently directed officials to take disciplinary action against those who permitted cutting of trees in the forest land where a set was erected for director Geetu Mohandas’ Kannada movie shoot. Addressing the allegations in a formal letter to the state’s Additional Chief Secretary, Khandre expressed his concerns regarding the tree-cutting incident, stating, “This is a serious violation. Hundreds of trees have been removed without permission, and we are seeking strict legal repercussions.” In response, KVN Productions, which is producing Toxic, issued a statement refuting the accusations. Clarifying that the land used for the set is privately owned and that all necessary permissions had been secured, a spokesperson for the production house said, “We conducted a comprehensive survey in February 2024 and have submitted relevant documents. We await the Forest Department’s report and will challenge these claims if necessary.” The film also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara and Huma Qureshi.  

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