Bengaluru court bars false content on Yash’s Toxic ahead of release

A Bengaluru civil court has granted an ex-parte interim injunction restraining the circulation of false, malicious or defamatory content about Kannada actor Yash's upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups', just hours before its worldwide theatrical release on August 26. The order, passed by the Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, bars identified and unidentified defendants, including a 'John Doe' party, from publishing such material across any medium before or after the release.

The court observed that KVN Productions, which filed the suit, had established a prima facie case and that the balance of convenience favoured granting the injunction, which remains in force until the next hearing on September 28. The order explicitly does not restrict genuine reviews, criticism or honest audience reactions. Cinema Express and Times of India both noted that viewers remain free to discuss the film based on their experience. Medianama, however, reported that the film's producers must share case documents with defendants and comply with procedural rules, failing which the injunction will automatically cancel.

Medianama also highlighted a broader pattern of producers seeking gag orders from Bengaluru courts, including blocking ratings on BookMyShow and IMDb, and raised concerns about free speech. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara and Huma Qureshi.