Yash (left) and Suri.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups has received polarising reviews ever since it hit the theatres on August 26, 2026. The emotional gangster drama, starring Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, has drawn brickbats for its overstuffed screenplay, while also earning praise for delving into a psychological theme.
In the film, Yash plays Raya, an invincible gangster who gradually descends into depression after being devastated by a tragic past in which he loses his loved ones.Toxic, also starring Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi and Nayanthara, is set in Goa around the time of independence, when the Portuguese still ruled the region. The movie deals with the opium trade and also a casino racket in Macau, apart from exploring the mental state of a gangster who suffers from guilt.
Responding to the movie, Kannada director Suri (Kadippudi, Tagaru and Duniya), who largely stays away from the media spotlight, has opened up to The Hindu about Toxic and Yash’s performance in the film. Having followed Yash’s journey from his early days in Kannada cinema to becoming a pan-Indian star, Suri believes the actor’s portrayal of an ageing gangster is a bold risk—one that could change how filmmakers imagine him in the future.
Excerpts:
Huge risk
For a star of his stature to choose such a complex role and completely surrender himself to it takes a lot of conviction. He has given his all to the role of the ageing gangster, Raya. What I like is the intent with which he seems to have approached the character. I felt something similar when I watched Vikram in Anniyan (2004). He was playing three different roles, and you could see how he pounced onto each of those personalities. Similarly, in Toxic, he is not approaching his character as a conventional star performance.
New possibilities
Following Toxic, some of the biggest directors in Indian cinema can now look at Yash and imagine him in roles that are far more complex, challenging, and fascinating. Atlee, Prashanth Neel, and SS Rajamouli can dream bigger for Yash. Earlier, a filmmaker might have had a particular image of Yash in mind. But when an actor takes a risk like this and pulls it off, it changes that perception. Suddenly, you start wondering what else he can do.
Significant for the Kannada film industry
There are filmmakers here who worked with Yash during his early days as an actor, such as Yogaraj Bhat (Drama), Manju Mandavya (Masterpiece), and Santhosh Ananddram (Mr and Mrs Ramachari). They have known him from a time when he was still establishing himself. Today, his stature is completely different. He has become a pan-Indian star, but the important thing is that he is also showing a willingness to take on challenging material. They can now imagine unique stories featuring Yash which can cater to a huge number of people.
ALSO READ: ‘Toxic’: How Yash built his reputation as an actor
Second chance
A film like this is not necessarily meant to be consumed and understood in a single viewing. Toxic is a form of expression — almost like a painting. And just as a painting can reveal different meanings, emotions, and details every time you look at it, Toxic can also offer a different experience when watched again.
Sometimes, you may not connect with a film the first time you watch it. But when you go back to it, you notice things you missed earlier, understand the emotions differently, and perhaps discover another layer to what the filmmaker is trying to say.
As told to Vivek MV
Published – August 29, 2026 04:42 pm IST
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