Kannada Film Industry Rallies Behind Yash: Rishab Shetty Defends ‘Toxic’ Amidst Mixed Reviews
The Kannada film industry is standing in solidarity with superstar Yash following the polarising reception of his latest pan-India release, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups. While the film has faced criticism from both critics and segments of the audience, prominent industry figures are stepping forward to laud the actor’s creative risks. Following public support from veterans Upendra and Kichcha Sudeepa, Kantara director and actor Rishab Shetty has joined the chorus, praising the film as a “daring experiment.”
A “Daring Experiment” in Storytelling
Taking to social media platform X, Rishab Shetty offered a thoughtful defense of the project. He acknowledged that while Toxic deviates from traditional cinematic tropes, its unconventional narrative style should not be mistaken for a failure.
“As an artist, when you play a character, you try to bring it to life from the bottom of your heart,” Shetty wrote. “Maybe the plot and driving characters are not on the usual track on which most films travel, but that doesn’t mean the track is wrong. The effort that goes into telling a story… from being a thought in the mind to becoming a film on screen is humongous.”
Shetty went on to commend Yash’s commitment to the role, noting that the actor’s total immersion into the character of ‘Raya’ was palpable in every scene. Addressing Yash directly, he added, “Hats off to the way you have surrendered yourself to a character and a world that demands a larger-than-life performance. We love you for the love you have for taking Kannada cinema to the global stage.”
The Journey of ‘Toxic’
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups arrived in theaters on August 26 following a series of release date shifts—having been originally slated for March and then June. Given the massive anticipation surrounding the film, the initial box office numbers were strong, though the momentum slowed as critical reviews and mixed word-of-mouth spread.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Huma Qureshi, and Akshay Oberoi. Despite the debate surrounding its reception, the film has achieved significant commercial reach, currently boasting a domestic collection of ₹190.45 crore and a worldwide gross of ₹254.75 crore.
As the industry continues to debate the creative merits of the project, the backing of stalwarts like Rishab Shetty underscores a shared appreciation for the risks involved in pushing the boundaries of Kannada cinema on an international scale.