The teaser of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, released in February, sparked backlash over its bold scenes, but lead actor-producer Yash is standing by director Geetu Mohandas’ vision, calling it a rare “female gaze” in action cinema.

Speaking to American content creator and host Sabeen Faheem at CinemaCon earlier this month, Yash acknowledged that large-scale action films in India have “historically” been led by male directors, adding, “A gangster film with a female gaze is something very new and refreshing.”

He also praised Geetu’s storytelling, saying, “Her thoughts are very clear… The way a woman presents desire, romance or sensuality is entirely different. I’ve realized that in this journey.”

The controversy intensified after the introducing Raya video, especially a graphic scene involving a bomb, car and cemetery, drew criticism and even a complaint from the National Christian Federation.

Responding to the outrage, Geetu addressed it with a cryptic post on her Instagram that read, “Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc.”

Toxic is scheduled to hit the theatres on June 4.