‘Women have been excessively sexualized; many scenes influence viewers’

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s former BJP president and founder of ‘We The Leaders’, K Annamalai, has criticised Toxic, starring Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas. Calling for stricter standards for granting certification to films, he strongly criticised the central board. He questioned the way women have been portrayed in the film and also raised concerns over the certification granted to it by the Central Boad of Film Certification (CBFC).

Reports said the film earned Rs 104 crore on its opening day. However, Annamalai opined that strict controls are essential when granting certification to films containing frightening visuals, excessive violence and misogynistic themes. He also alleged that women have been excessively sexualised in the film.

Speaking to the media in Coimbatore, Annamalai responded to questions on Toxic. ‘If women are portrayed in a particular manner in a film and children repeatedly watch such films, how will that affect women in society?’ he asked.

He also pointed the irony of such films receiving censor approval while conducting awareness programmes in various cities and colleges to promote women’s safety. ‘This film does not give women the respect they deserve. Many things shown in films can influence the audience,’ he said.