Yash’s much-awaited return to the big screen with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups has sparked mixed reactions, with the gangster drama receiving negative reviews from a section of the audience. Amid the criticism, Kabzaa director R Chandru has come out in support of the film, urging Kannadigas to appreciate Yash’s effort and stand by him.
Kabzaa director supports Toxic
Kabzaa director R Chandru wrote in Kannada on X, “Dear Yash… TOXIC – This is not just a movie. It is an attempt by a Kannadiga to conquer the world. So every Kannadiga should appreciate this and stand with it… Well done for your effort…”
However, fans seemed to disagree with him. “Sir Kabzaa >>>>> Toxic. When is Kabzaa 2 releasing?” read one comment. An X user sarcastically wrote, “One Hollywood director praising another Hollywood movie.” One fan pointed out, “Hope KFI stop this Pan-India bulls**t and entertain our Kannadigas first.”
ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಯಶ್…
TOXIC – ಇದು ಕೇವಲ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಅಲ್ಲ. ಕನ್ನಡಿಗನೊಬ್ಬ ಜಗತ್ತನ್ನೇ ಗೆಲ್ಲುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗನೂ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸಬೇಕು, ಜೊತೆಗೆ ನಿಲ್ಲಬೇಕು…
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಕ್ಕೆ ಶಭಾಷ್…
-R.CHANDRU(Director & Producer)
..@TheNameIsYash @KvnProductions @GeetuMohandas pic.twitter.com/gL8JZA7sgm
— R.Chandru (@rchandrumoviess) August 27, 2026
More about Toxic
Ahead of Toxic’s worldwide release, the makers urged fans not to record scenes or share spoilers online. Meanwhile, a Bengaluru court has restrained the publication and broadcast of false or defamatory content about the Yash-starrer. KVN Productions had approached the Sessions Court seeking protection against false and damaging reports about the film. Amid this, a YouTuber had shared a negative review of the film, after which he had received a legal notice.
Toxic’s release was celebrated by fans as they flocked to theatres in large numbers and danced to dhol beats, creating a festive atmosphere.
Toxic box office
According to Sacnilk, Yash’s Toxic earned Rs 101 crore net and Rs 120 crore gross across India on its opening day. The collection was led by the Hindi version of the film, which contributed Rs 55 crore, followed by the Kannada version, which was unable to cross Rs 25 crore despite a high occupancy. Meanwhile, the Telugu version earned Rs 11 crore on the day.
Despite Toxic reviews being largely unfavourable, the gangster drama recorded the second-best opening for an Indian film in the domestic market in 2026, behind Dhurandhar 2’s historic Rs 103 crore start.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film also stars Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria in the lead roles.
