‘Kantara’ Composer Ajaneesh Loknath Defends Yash’s ‘Toxic’, Urges Fans to Ignore Early Reviews
In the wake of the polarizing reception surrounding Kannada superstar Yash’s latest cinematic venture, Toxic, celebrated composer Ajaneesh Loknath has stepped forward to offer a spirited defense of the film.
Since its theatrical release on August 26, Toxic—directed by Geetu Mohandas—has sparked intense debate among audiences and critics alike. As the film completes its first week in theaters, the Kantara music director took to social media to urge fans to experience the film firsthand, arguing that subjective opinions should not dictate a viewer’s decision to support cinema.
“Experience Cinema, Don’t Just Read Reviews”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ajaneesh emphasized that a film’s value is a deeply personal experience. “I watched Toxic, and I liked it,” he wrote. He cautioned against the modern trend of relying solely on critical consensus, noting that his personal tastes often diverge from the prevailing social media narrative.
“My taste, my thought process, and my experience can be completely different from someone else’s,” he explained. Beyond the individual viewer’s experience, he also highlighted the human element of filmmaking. He reminded the public that the success or failure of a project carries significant weight for the hundreds of hardworking technicians and crew members involved. “When a film doesn’t do well, it isn’t only the producer or the actors who suffer. These professionals, who work incredibly hard, are also affected for many years,” he added.
Praising Yash’s Bold Choices
Ajaneesh specifically lauded Yash for his artistic courage in Toxic. Beyond headlining the project, the Kannada icon also co-wrote and produced the film.
“I really liked the attempt and especially Yash’s performance,” Ajaneesh stated. “I truly appreciate him for choosing this kind of character and story. Yes, there are a few small things that didn’t work for me, but they are easily ignorable. Overall, it’s a very good film.”
The ‘Lagaan’ Comparison
Perhaps the most striking part of Ajaneesh’s commentary was his reference to the 2001 classic Lagaan. He used the Aamir Khan-starrer to illustrate how contemporary, cynical social media discourse might have unjustly penalized a masterpiece if it were released today.
“I imagined—if it had released today, people would have commented, ‘lag,’ ‘boring,’ and reduced the whole story to ‘there will be a match, India will challenge the British, the match will happen—that’s it,'” he theorized. He argued that modern audiences might miss out on truly transformative cinema by reducing complex narratives to simplistic soundbites.
About Toxic
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups is a high-octane gangster thriller that sees Yash in a commanding dual role. Set against the backdrop of Goa’s criminal underworld, the film follows the character of Raya as he navigates a dark, complicated family past. The film also features a stellar ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth.
As the debate continues, Ajaneesh Loknath’s appeal remains clear: in an era of instant gratification and rapid-fire reviews, there is still no substitute for walking into a theater, dimming the lights, and making up your own mind.
