The highly anticipated film Toxic, starring KGF actor Yash, has found itself at the centre of a growing scandal. The production team behind the film has been accused of illegally cutting down nearly 100 trees in Bengaluru’s Peenya area to build a film set.
Karnataka’s Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has addressed the issue and called for strict legal action over the alleged environmental breach.
Legal Action To Be Taken Against Toxic Makers For ‘Serious Violation’?
According to reports, Khandre raised the issue in a formal letter to Karnataka’s Additional Chief Secretary, where he expressed grave concerns regarding the alleged deforestation for the film’s production.
“This is a serious violation. Hundreds of trees have been removed without permission, and we are seeking strict legal repercussions,” Khandre stated.
He described the incident as part of a larger issue, referring to a long-standing land dispute dating back to the 1960s. At that time, around 599 acres of forest land were reportedly transferred to Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) without de-notification. Over the years, HMT has allegedly leased portions of this land to private companies and film productions.
Khandre mentioned that HMT had rented out part of this disputed forest land for the Toxic set, which led to significant tree removal. The land is now reportedly under Canara Bank’s ownership, adding more complexity to the case.
According to Khandre, these ongoing land leases and environmental encroachments call for a thorough investigation and strict enforcement measures to prevent further violations. “HMT is leasing the land to private entities and renting forestland for film sets,” he added. He highlighted the need for accountability and environmental responsibility in the industry.
Toxic Makers Respond To The Accusations
In response to the escalating controversy, KVN Productions, the team behind Toxic, issued a statement denying the allegations. A spokesperson for KVN clarified that the land used for the set is privately owned and asserted that all necessary permissions were in place.
“We conducted a comprehensive survey in February 2024 and have submitted relevant documents,” the spokesperson noted, adding that they are awaiting the Forest Department’s findings and will contest any claims if required.
The Toxic team’s statement does little to quiet public concern, as the environmental implications of the accusations are significant. With Yash’s immense fan base and the film’s high-profile status, Toxic has attracted heightened public attention, both for its action-thriller appeal and now for the environmental controversy surrounding it.
Slated for a grand release on April 10, 2025, Toxic has been one of the most talked-about films of the year.
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