Yash’s Toxic may be making headlines for its intense action, larger-than-life style and gangster drama, but the film has also sparked criticism over the way its female characters have been portrayed.

At the centre of the story is Raya, played by Yash—a ruthless character surrounded by violence, crime, cigarettes, alcohol and power. While his aggressive personality and screen presence dominate the film, critics argue that the five prominent female characters are not given enough space to develop independently.

The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas, but the treatment of its female characters has nevertheless raised questions about whether the story ultimately revolves too heavily around its male protagonist.

Yash’s Character Dominates the Story

Yash plays Raya, a violent and morally complicated gangster whose ambition is to establish his control over Goa's underworld.

His character is presented as fearless, unpredictable and ruthless. Whether he's involved in violence, crime or personal relationships, Raya remains the centre of attention throughout the story.

This becomes particularly noticeable because the film features five major female characters—played by Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Basant.

Despite their importance to the narrative, critics feel that many of these characters ultimately exist to support Raya's journey rather than having complete stories of their own.

The Film’s Approach to Masculinity Has Also Drawn Criticism

Raya's attitude towards women is another aspect that has attracted criticism.

Several dialogues and situations portray relationships through the lens of power, control and betrayal. The protagonist's behaviour is often aggressive and dismissive, reinforcing the impression of a character who places his ambitions above emotional relationships.

However, it's also important to distinguish between a film portraying a toxic or patriarchal character and the film itself endorsing those beliefs. Whether Toxic is criticising Raya's worldview or simply glorifying his masculinity is ultimately a matter of interpretation.

Kiara Advani’s Nadia Never Gets the Chance to Grow

Kiara Advani plays Nadia, a circus performer who develops a relationship with Raya.

At one point, Nadia makes it clear that she wants to be treated as a partner rather than someone under Raya's control. Her character also has a child with him.

However, Raya remains focused on his ambition to become the most powerful gangster in Goa. As their relationship deteriorates, Nadia's story comes to a tragic end.

This has led to criticism that Kiara's character had considerable potential but was removed from the story before she could develop into a stronger independent figure.

Nayanthara’s Ganga Was Another Powerful Character

Nayanthara plays Ganga, Raya's elder sister and one of the people responsible for shaping his life.

After their parents' deaths, Ganga looks after Raya and helps guide him through his difficult childhood. She also plays an important role in his rise within Goa's criminal world.

Yet her character is eventually killed, bringing another potentially powerful female role to an early conclusion.

Given Ganga's influence over Raya's life, many viewers may feel that her character could have been explored much further.

Tara Sutaria’s Rebecca Also Meets a Tragic End

Tara Sutaria plays Rebecca, the daughter of gangster Salvador.

Rebecca develops feelings for Raya despite his complicated relationship with Nadia. Her character becomes caught in the dangerous world surrounding Raya and eventually dies during a shootout.

Once again, the female character's journey ends before she gets much opportunity to establish an identity beyond her relationship with the protagonist.

Huma Qureshi Gets a Different Role

Huma Qureshi plays Elizabeth, Salvador's mistress and a character involved in the criminal operations surrounding him.

Unlike several of the other women, Elizabeth isn't simply portrayed as a helpless victim. She is shown as someone capable of manipulating situations and participating in the darker side of the underworld.

However, her character is also ultimately caught up in the same cycle of power, deception and violence that surrounds Raya.

Rukmini Basant’s Melissa Lives in Fear

Rukmini Basant plays Melissa, Raya's second wife and the mother of his son Adam.

Her character is shown to be frightened by Raya's violent personality. Her primary concern is protecting her son and keeping him away from the dangerous environment created by his father.

This creates another female character whose storyline is largely shaped by Raya's actions and behaviour.

Is ‘Toxic’ Really a Male-Chauvinist Film?

This is where the debate becomes more complicated.

The film undeniably places Raya at the centre of almost every major development. His ambitions, relationships, violence and rise through the underworld drive the narrative.

At the same time, the women around him often suffer because of his choices, with several meeting tragic ends.

Critics therefore argue that the film gives Yash's character enormous narrative power while reducing the agency of its female characters. Supporters, however, could argue that this is intentional because Toxic is portraying the destructive world and personality of Raya.