Ram Gopal Varma’s Latest Social Media Post Sparks Fresh Speculation of Rivalry with Yash’s ‘Toxic’
Known for his unfiltered opinions and penchant for stirring the pot, acclaimed filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has once again ignited rumors of a cinematic rivalry. Amidst the massive theatrical debut of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, Varma took to social media to share a cryptic post that many believe serves as a direct jab at the Yash-starrer.
The “Dhurandhar” Connection
As reports began circulating that Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, had successfully surpassed the opening-day box office collections of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Varma posted a concise message on X (formerly Twitter): “Now watching Dhurandhar again.”
Given Varma’s vocal support for the Dhurandhar franchise, fans and industry analysts were quick to interpret the timing of the post as a pointed comment on the ongoing competition between the two films. While Toxic has been lauded by many for its stylized visual language, high-end cinematography, and the magnetic screen presence of lead actor Yash, it has simultaneously faced criticism from some corners for prioritizing aesthetics over a compelling narrative depth.
A History of Confrontation
This is not the first time Varma has publicly pitted these two projects against each other. Earlier this year, when Toxic was initially scheduled to clash with the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge in March 2026, Varma shared a scathing critique. He famously characterized the rivalry not as a North-vs-South battle, but as a “brutal clash between two cultures of cinema.”
At the time, Varma claimed that Dhurandhar focused on respecting the audience’s intelligence, while conversely asserting that Toxic “presumes their dumbness.”
Box Office Dominance
Despite the polarising reviews and Varma’s subtle digs, Toxic has proven to be a juggernaut at the ticket windows. According to industry tracking data from Sacnilk, the film achieved a stellar opening day, raking in over Rs 79 crore net in India. With global and domestic interest remaining high, the total India gross for the film has already crossed the Rs 93 crore mark.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic boasts an expansive ensemble cast, featuring Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi alongside Yash. As the box office collection numbers continue to climb, the debate between visual spectacle and narrative substance remains a central talking point in the Indian film industry.
Whether Varma’s post was truly a calculated slight or merely a show of support for his preferred film remains open to interpretation, but it has certainly kept the conversation regarding this cinematic standoff alive.
