The teaser of ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’, released on January 8, 2026 to mark Yash’s birthday, was meant to signal a bold, genre-defying turn for the star. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the gritty preview immediately grabbed attention for its dark visuals and mature tone. However, a brief intimate sequence featuring Yash and a mysterious female character soon became the centre of intense online scrutiny.
Set against a cemetery backdrop, the scene sparked widespread debate on social media, with a section of viewers accusing the makers of crossing moral and cultural boundaries. While many praised the teaser’s cinematic ambition, the woman seen opposite Yash, quickly dubbed the ‘Cemetery Girl’, found herself at the receiving end of online trolling and moral policing.
The backlash escalated soon after Geetu Mohandas publicly confirmed the actress’s identity as Beatriz Taufenbach, putting an end to speculation that it might be another international performer. What began as global curiosity rapidly turned hostile, with social media users criticising the scene’s intimacy and setting.
Amid the mounting criticism and personal attacks, Beatriz Taufenbach appears to have deactivated her Instagram account, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to step away from the online storm.
Born in Kyiv, she began her artistic journey in classical ballet, training at Moscow’s prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy before further honing her skills at London’s Royal Ballet School. Over time, she transitioned into modelling and acting, gradually expanding her creative pursuits into writing and production.
She currently runs her own production banner, 7Heaven Productions, balancing on-screen work with entrepreneurial responsibilities. Reports also suggest that she has been active as a model since 2014 and is a singer as well.
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The controversy soon moved beyond social media. A complaint was reportedly filed with the Central Board of Film Certification, alleging that the teaser contains ‘morally offensive’ content and lacks adequate age-related disclaimers. Additionally, the women’s wing of a Karnataka-based political party approached the Karnataka State Commission for Women, claiming the scene undermines the dignity of women.
The Commission has since written to the CBFC, seeking a review of the teaser’s certification and the removal of what it termed ‘obscene’ frames. Critics have also argued that using a cemetery as the setting for an intimate moment hurts cultural and religious sentiments.
‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, with Mohandas also serving as director. The film features an ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria.
Produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Notably, it is set to clash with ‘Dhurandhar 2’, starring Ranveer Singh.
Despite the ongoing controversy, ‘Toxic’ remains one of the most talked-about Indian releases of 2026.
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