Ratings and reviews for Yash’s Toxic have allegedly been disabled on BookMyShow, sparking questions among viewers and fans.
Mumbai: Yash-starrer “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy after several YouTubers and social media users claimed that they received legal notices from the film’s team over content shared about the movie.
The issue gained attention after film reviewer Prashanth Rangaswamy took to social media and claimed that he had received a legal notice from actor Yash and KVN Productions in connection with his review of Toxic .
Rangaswamy’s post quickly drew reactions online, with viewers and fellow creators discussing whether the notices were related to criticism of the film or to the use of copyrighted material.
Another social media user, Suraj Kumar, also shared what appeared to be an email containing a legal notice issued on behalf of KVN Monster Mind Creations LLP.
Sharing the communication online, Kumar wrote, “Thank You Team Toxic For the Legal Notice on My Review.”
The posts have sparked a wider conversation among movie reviewers and social media users, particularly about the space available for independent film criticism in the age of YouTube, Instagram and short-form video platforms.
Copyright issue or criticism of the film?
Screenshots circulating online appear to suggest that at least some of the legal notices may relate to the alleged unauthorised use or circulation of copyrighted footage from Toxic .
One creator also claimed that a reel had been removed after a copyright complaint.
This distinction is important because a legal notice concerning copyrighted footage is different from legal action simply because a reviewer expressed a negative opinion about a movie.
At present, the screenshots and social media posts circulating online do not establish that the notices were issued because the reviews were critical or negative. If the notices specifically concern the use of film footage, the dispute could instead involve copyright protection and the unauthorised reproduction or distribution of scenes from the movie.
Movie reviewers frequently use short clips, stills and promotional material while discussing films. However, the legal status of such use can depend on several factors, including how much copyrighted material was used, how it was presented and the applicable copyright law.
The controversy has therefore left many viewers waiting for a clearer explanation from the film’s makers.
BookMyShow rating controversy adds to debate
While the legal-notice issue was gaining attention, another claim began circulating online concerning BookMyShow .
Some users claimed that ratings and reviews for Toxic had been disabled on the platform. The development led to speculation that the film’s makers were attempting to control negative reactions or limit public criticism.
However, these claims have not been independently established based solely on the screenshots and posts circulating on social media.
The two issues have nevertheless become linked in online discussions, with some users questioning whether the film’s team is taking an unusually strict approach towards public reactions.
For now, it is important to distinguish between confirmed developments and claims being shared online. The existence of screenshots or posts does not, on its own, establish why a particular legal notice was issued or whether the film’s team had any role in decisions concerning ratings on an external platform.
The makers of Toxic have yet to publicly address the broader controversy surrounding the notices and the claims about BookMyShow.
Until an official explanation is provided, questions remain over the exact nature of the notices, the material allegedly covered by them and whether any action was specifically connected to the reviews themselves.
For fans, reviewers and creators following the controversy, the issue highlights a familiar tension in the digital entertainment world: filmmakers want to protect their intellectual property, while reviewers and audiences want room to discuss, critique and react to new releases.
As the debate continues online, a clear statement from the Toxic team could help separate the copyright dispute, if any, from the wider concerns about film criticism.
Yash-starrer “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” is facing a fresh online controversy.
Film reviewer Prashanth Rangaswamy claimed he received a legal notice connected to his Toxic review.
Social media user Suraj Kumar also shared an alleged legal notice online.
Some creators claim the notices involve unauthorised use of copyrighted film footage .
One creator reportedly said a reel was removed following a copyright complaint .
Separate claims circulated about Toxic ratings and reviews on BookMyShow .
The available screenshots do not establish that notices were issued because reviews were negative .
Copyright concerns and criticism of a film are legally different issues .
The Toxic makers have not yet publicly addressed the wider controversy.