Thiosemicarbazone metal complexes [Cu(L)(2-benzpy)]ClO₄ (1) and [Zn(L)₂] (2) [L = 2-benzoylpyridine-N(4)-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone), 2-benzpy = 2-benzolylpyridine] were synthesized and X-raycrystallographically characterized. The metal centre in compound 1 has a distorted square planar geometry while in compound 2, the metal centre has a distorted octahedral geometry. Both the molecules induce cytotoxic effects on A431 skin carcinoma cell line in 24 h incubation and significantly enhances hypoploid cell population in cell cycle phase distribution below IC₅₀ dose. Application of both the two molecules exhibit apoptotic induction and genotoxic activity in 24 h exposure.