Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Rishab Shetty Backs Yash’s Toxic Amid Mixed Reviews
Toxic is a Kannada film starring Yash.
It was directed by Geetu Mohandas and released in theatres on August 26, 2026.
Many critics and viewers had mixed or negative reactions to the movie.
Some people also criticized its characters, tone and unusual story.
The film opened strongly, but its earnings later declined according to reports.
Rishab Shetty said Yash worked very hard to play the powerful central character.
He called the movie a daring experiment and said an unusual story is not automatically a bad one.
Shetty also praised Yash for helping Kannada cinema reach audiences around the world.
Rishab Shetty praised Yash’s performance in Toxic and called the film a “daring experiment.”
Shetty said the film’s unusual plot and characters do not mean its creative direction is wrong.
He praised Yash for portraying the struggle, guilt and toxicity experienced by a powerful character.
Toxic received mixed-to-negative reactions, while reports said its strong opening was followed by declining numbers.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic was released in theatres on August 26, 2026, after postponements.
- Who
- Yash stars in Toxic; Rishab Shetty supported him and the film, while Geetu Mohandas directed it. Upendra and Kichcha Sudeepa were also reported to have expressed support.
- What
- Rishab Shetty praised Toxic and Yash’s performance amid criticism and mixed reactions to the film.
- When
- Toxic was released on August 26, 2026; Shetty shared his support on X on August 29, 2026.
- Where
- Toxic was released in theatres, and Shetty shared his comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.
- Why
- Shetty said the film’s unconventional creative choices should not diminish the effort involved and praised Yash’s portrayal of a powerful man’s struggle, guilt and growing toxicity.
Criticism of Toxic
Support for Toxic
Story and characters
Criticism of Toxic
Critics and viewers criticized the film’s treatment of its characters and tone, as well as its departure from the mainstream action style some audiences expected from Yash.
Support for Toxic
Rishab Shetty said the plot and driving characters may not follow the usual path, but an unconventional creative route is not necessarily the wrong one.
Yash’s performance
Criticism of Toxic
The mixed-to-negative response indicates that the film did not satisfy many critics and moviegoers, despite high expectations surrounding Yash’s release.
Support for Toxic
Shetty praised Yash’s conviction, dedication and larger-than-life performance, saying he convincingly portrayed the struggle and guilt of a powerful man.
Commercial momentum
Criticism of Toxic
Reports said Toxic’s box-office numbers declined after a strong opening, suggesting weaker momentum in the following days.
Support for Toxic
Shetty defended the effort behind the film, calling it a daring experiment and praising Yash for attempting an unconventional project and taking Kannada cinema to the global stage.
- Film
- Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
- Lead actor
- Yash
- Director
- Geetu Mohandas
- Release date
- August 26, 2026
- Reception
- Mixed-to-negative reactions from critics and audiences, alongside social-media criticism
- Commercial performance
- Reports described a bumper opening followed by declining numbers
- Day-four figures
- One report said Toxic collected Rs 24.50 crore net in India on Day 4, with Rs 227.50 crore in India gross and Rs 254.75 crore worldwide overall
Sources
'Taking Kannada Cinema To Global Stage': Rishab Shetty Praises Yash Amid Criticism Of Toxic, Calls Film A 'Daring Experiment'
Kantara's Rishab Shetty Praises Yash’s Toxic, Calls It A ‘Daring Experiment’: 'Maybe The Plot...'
After Kichcha Sudeep, Rishab Shetty Praises Yash's Toxic Amid Backlash: 'Hats Off'
‘I stand with you’: Rishab Shetty, Sudeep back Yash amid Toxic’s mixed response