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Entertainment
Yash's 'Toxic' criticised for lacking women’s story arcs
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 03:38 AM
👁 22
The film, billed as giving women a voice, has been judged by critics to provide no meaningful arcs for its five female characters.
Yash’s latest release, “Toxic”, entered theatres with a promotional promise of amplifying women’s voices in its narrative. The film’s marketing highlighted the presence of five distinct female characters, suggesting a focus on their stories.
However, film reviewers have pointed out that none of the women receive a discernible character arc. Critics argue that the screenplay offers little development or agency to the female roles, leaving them peripheral to the male‑driven plot.
The assessment underscores ongoing criticism of Indian cinema’s handling of gender representation, with “Toxic” cited as an example where the promise of female empowerment does not translate into on‑screen substance.
However, film reviewers have pointed out that none of the women receive a discernible character arc. Critics argue that the screenplay offers little development or agency to the female roles, leaving them peripheral to the male‑driven plot.
The assessment underscores ongoing criticism of Indian cinema’s handling of gender representation, with “Toxic” cited as an example where the promise of female empowerment does not translate into on‑screen substance.