Kannada actress Rishika Singh has criticised the portrayal of women and the bold scenes featured in the trailer of Yash’s upcoming film ‘Toxic’. She said the women shown in the trailer were not portrayed respectfully and warned the actor that he could face opposition in Karnataka if such representation continues.
In a video shared on social media, Rishika expressed her disappointment with the scenes shown in the trailer. Addressing Yash directly, she questioned why he chose to be part of a film that, according to her, featured scenes in which women were not given due respect.
Rishika also pointed out that Yash is a husband and a father, and said he should consider how women are represented on screen. She clarified that she wants Kannada cinema to grow and reach international audiences. She welcomed the making of a big Kannada film like ‘Toxic’ and was also happy to see a Bollywood actress being part of it. However, she said she was disappointed with the way women were portrayed in the trailer.
She also questioned whether the film gives more importance to male ego while failing to give its female characters equal importance.
Questions the portrayal of five actresses, including Kiara Advani
Rishika also questioned how the five female actors in ‘Toxic’ have been portrayed in the trailer. She asked whether even one of the women was presented in a positive, dignified or commendable manner. According to her, the female characters deserved better representation in the film’s promotional material.
Questioned Kiara’s portrayal in the film
Rishika specifically raised questions about Kiara Advani, who plays Nadia in ‘Toxic’. Referring to a dialogue in the trailer where a woman is asked her “rate”, she questioned why such a line was included in the film. She also asked why Kiara was brought from Bollywood only to be portrayed in this manner.
Asked Yash’s fans to consider the same situation
Rishika also urged Yash’s fans to think about how they would feel if similar comments were made about their wives while working in another film industry. She said her criticism was not directed at director Geetu Mohandas, who has her own creative vision and may not view certain aspects of “our” culture in the same way.
However, Rishika questioned why Yash, being from Karnataka, agreed to such a portrayal. She said men should maintain their dignity and treat women with respect.
Said Karnataka will not tolerate disrespect towards women
Towards the end of her video, Rishika made a strong statement about the issue. She said that people who do not respect women could be asked to leave Karnataka.
She stated, “If women are not respected, we will evacuate you from Karnataka.”
Kiara said female characters have distinct identities
Kiara Advani, who plays Nadia in ‘Toxic’, has previously responded to claims that the film sidelines its female characters.
In an interview with Femina, Kiara said that every woman in the film has a different role and personality. She added that each female character brings her own energy and identity to the story, and said audiences would enjoy seeing such diverse women within the same cinematic world.
Who is Rishika Singh?
Rishika Singh is the daughter of veteran Kannada filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu. She has appeared in films including ‘Kalla Malla Sulla’, ‘Benki Birugali’, ‘Kanthirava’ and ‘Thuntaru’.
Rishika has also participated in the first season of the reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada’.
