Yash had plenty to get off his chest at the Toxic trailer launch in Bengaluru. From addressing repeated rumours about the film being shelved to revealing the scale of its 200-day shoot, the actor spoke at length about what went into making Geetu Mohandas’ ambitious project. He also rejected the idea of viewing Toxic through the lens of one regional industry, insisting that the film was made with a larger goal in mind.
For Yash, bringing together actors from different industries was possible because everyone involved was willing to put individual considerations aside.
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‘This Is Not Just A Kannada Film’
Yash began by thanking members of the media who had travelled to Bengaluru for the trailer launch before speaking about how he views Indian cinema today.
“Now it is no more Kannada, Tamil, Telugu. This is an Indian film,” he said.
The actor pointed towards Toxic’s ensemble as an example. “This movie is not just a Kannada film; this is an Indian film where all the top stars, all the successful people, and all the talented people have contributed.”
Yash admitted that bringing several established actors together can create its own complications. Actors, he said, naturally want to do their best and insecurities can surface when so many prominent names share the same project.
“This film has happened because all these lovely, talented, successful people have kept their egos aside, kept other things aside, and they’ve just come with one cause, to put Indian film on a global platform,” he said.
Toxic has been shot in both Kannada and English. Yash acknowledged that taking on an English version was another challenge, but said he has never been particularly interested in being told what he cannot do.
“When you want to do something in life, nothing should stop you,” he said. “If I can see it clearly, there’s nothing in life, if you are able to put in effort, time, and what is required, energy or actions towards something, there’s nothing in life which you cannot achieve.”
Why Yash Backed Geetu Mohandas
Yash also acknowledged that Toxic was not an obvious follow-up to the enormous success of the KGF films.
“This movie is a very tough one because the kind of decisions, on the surface level, it was not easy. It is not a perfect commercial package film,” he said.
Rather than choosing a filmmaker purely on the basis of previous box office numbers, Yash said he places greater value on conviction.
“I always believe in directors’ passion than their past success,” he said, explaining that the success of any film belongs to numerous people working behind the scenes.
That was what drew him towards Geetu. According to Yash, she arrived with a clear idea and the determination to realise it.
“She had a burning passion, desire, and wanted to show the world what she is capable of doing and what true cinema can be,” he said.
Yash thanked Geetu for the time and sacrifices she had made for the project, telling her that Toxic would remain something she could be proud of “for ages to come”.
Yash Addresses Toxic Being ‘Shelved’ Rumours
The actor then turned his attention to reports that repeatedly surfaced during production.
“Every 10th day or 20th day, there will be news about a film being shelved, a film being stopped. I don’t know from where they write these stories,” Yash said.
He stressed that mounting a film on this scale was never going to be straightforward. Coordinating schedules, locations, actors and other production requirements presented challenges throughout filming.
Yash revealed that Toxic was shot for approximately 200 days and that work began exactly two years before the August 8 trailer launch.
“It might look like I’ve taken a long gap, trust me. We started August 8, two years ago. This film was shot for 200 days. We have shot two versions,” he said.
He credited the producer for remaining steadfast despite the speculation surrounding the project.
“You can see every penny we have spent. It is on screen,” Yash said.
Yash Thanks Wife Radhika Pandit For Standing By Him
The lengthy production also took a toll on Yash’s personal time. During one of the more personal moments of his speech, he thanked his wife Radhika Pandit for supporting him through the demanding schedule.
“It’s not easy to be my friend, okay? It’s not easy to be associated with me in any way. Trust me, I’m a very difficult person to be with,” he joked.
Yash said Toxic required him to move beyond his comfort zone, spend considerable time on different looks and remain heavily invested in the production.
“This particular film was very demanding, and I have pushed myself beyond my comfort zone,” he said, adding that Radhika travelled and managed things despite the difficulties created by his schedule.
Yash Praises Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi And Rukmini Vasanth
Yash also individually acknowledged several members of the ensemble. Speaking about Huma Qureshi, he jokingly called her the “brand ambassador of Toxic” and teased that the trailer had deliberately held back on showing what she brings to the film.
“You will witness her presence in the cinema. I think we have kind of not shown her much here; she is going to blow your mind,” he said.
He praised Rukmini Vasanth as an actor who contributes not only when she takes centre stage but also to the performances around her.
Kiara Advani received a special mention for the commitment she brought to her role. Yash recalled concerns that assembling so many actors could potentially create problems, but said Kiara’s approach helped set the tone.
“Kiara was so down to earth, she dedicated herself and surrendered to this vision,” he said.
Yash ended his address with a promise to audiences who had continued supporting the project despite the rumours surrounding it.
“Every effort, every decision which has been taken towards this film is based on what is good for the cinema and what is good for Indian cinema,” he said.
Calling himself “a labour of Indian cinema”, Yash added, “Keep supporting us and believe in us. This movie is going to blow your mind.”