The makers of the much-anticipated film Toxic, starring Kannada superstar Yash, are facing legal trouble after the Karnataka Forest Department filed a First Information Report (FIR) against them. The complaint stems from the alleged illegal felling of trees on forest land in Bengaluru’s Peenya area during the shooting of the film.
The case was registered not only against the producers of the movie but also included two senior officials — the General Managers of Canara Bank and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT), both of whom are implicated in the incident. The alleged deforestation took place on land designated as a reserved forest but occupied by HMT.
Karnataka’s Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, who visited the site recently, reviewed satellite images which showed the extent of the tree felling. “I personally visited the land where Toxic movie is being shot. Hundreds of trees have been illegally cut down for the filming of the movie on forest land under HMT’s jurisdiction, which is visible in satellite images,” said Khandre, adding that necessary action would be taken against those responsible.
Khandre also emphasized that cutting trees on forest land without legal permission is a punishable offence. He ordered forest department officials to take swift action against the violators.
The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is a highly anticipated action drama set against the backdrop of the drug mafia. Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, with Yash headlining the project. The film is slated for release on April 10, 2025.
The controversy has put a damper on the film’s buzz, as environmentalists and residents of Bengaluru raise concerns about the impact of deforestation on local ecology. The incident has garnered widespread attention, with many calling for stricter enforcement of environmental laws in the region.
Yash, known for his blockbuster KGF series, has shared his excitement about the film on social media, posting a cryptic caption along with a teaser. “What you seek is seeking you,” he wrote, hinting at the mysterious and intense nature of the film. However, the controversy surrounding the deforestation is likely to overshadow its release until the matter is resolved.
Sources By Agencies
