Shooting of Rocking Star Yash‘s upcoming film Toxic has been stopped after it was alleged that trees were cut down to build a film set for the production.
A Karnataka minister has alleged that hundreds of trees have been cut to accommodate the shoot, and action is likely to be taken against the involved officials.
A case under Section 24 is likely to be registered against those responsible. Although sources say that the makers of Toxic may get into trouble, it is still unclear if action will be taken against them.Toxic is directed by internationally acclaimed director Geetu Mohandas, known for films like Liars Dice and Moothon. The film also stars Huma Qureshi, Nayanthara, and Akshay Oberoi.
The investigation is ongoing, and action is likely to follow. ETimes reached out to Geetu Mohandas but has yet to receive a reply.
According to a report by PTI, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre is taking the issue seriously. He has instructed officials to investigate and take action against anyone who allowed trees to be cut down on forest land where the film starring Yash was being shot. Khandre visited the shooting location and expressed worries about the legality of the activities happening on what is designated as reserve forest land.
In a note to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Khandre stated that 599 acres of forest land in Bengaluru’s Peenya Plantation were illegally transferred to Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in the 1960s without proper de-notification. He highlighted that HMT has been leasing this land for various non-forestry activities, including film shoots.
