In a remarkable display of box office prowess, Yash’s latest film Toxic has defied early critics to achieve an unprecedented opening weekend. The gangster drama, which faced significant backlash for its violent content and graphic scenes, managed to cross the ₹100 crore mark on its opening day, setting a new benchmark for controversial films.
The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-written by Yash himself, stars the actor in a dual role alongside an ensemble cast including Kiara AdvaniNayantharaTara SutariaRukmini Vasanth and Huma Qureshi. Despite the negative reviews, the film’s advance bookings were a testament to Yash’s star power, with over 1.5 million tickets sold for the first day alone in India.
Toxic’s journey to the big screen
The path to Toxic‘s release was anything but smooth. Initially set to clash with Dhurandhar 2 in March, the film’s release was postponed due to the war in the Middle East. Further delays in post-production pushed the release date to August 26, 2026. The film’s controversial content, including graphic sexual scenes and violence, sparked legal battles and intense debate among audiences.
Yash, known for his bold choices, maintained that Toxic was not a film for children and promised a unique tone that would surprise audiences. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film with no cuts but awarded it an A-rating, indicating its adult content. This rating did little to dampen the enthusiasm of Yash’s fans, who turned the film’s release into a celebratory event.
The box office phenomenon
Despite the negative reviews, Toxic managed to gross ₹91.91 crore by 8 PM on its opening day, with projections indicating it would cross the ₹100 crore mark. The film’s advance bookings alone amounted to ₹49 crore, showcasing the immense anticipation surrounding Yash’s return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus following the blockbuster KGF franchise.
The film’s success can be attributed to several factors. Yash’s star power, the ensemble cast, and the film’s unique premise all contributed to its appeal. Additionally, the film’s release was strategically timed to capitalize on the excitement surrounding Yash’s return. The film was shot in Kannada and English and released in HindiTamil and Telugu further expanding its reach.
Audience reactions and industry responses
Audience reactions to Toxic were mixed. While some praised the film’s technical execution and Yash’s performance, others criticized its slow pace and unearned plot twists. One audience member on X (formerly Twitter) noted, “The sheer audacity to even think you can make a film like #Toxic deserves applause even if the final product is flawed.” Another critic pointed out that the film’s negative reviews were not due to fan wars but rather its inherent flaws.
The film’s release also sparked reactions from industry insiders. Ram Gopal Varma took to X to watch Dhurandhar again, seemingly taking a dig at the negative reviews for Toxic. Bandi Saroj Kumar a Telugu actor-filmmaker, commented on the lack of support for the film despite its unanimous negative reviews, suggesting that the project was not handed over to PR agencies.
Despite the criticism, Yash received an outpouring of love from fans. One fan on X wrote, “so toxic was kind of a misfire but…this Naveen Kumar Gowda guy really GAVE IT ALL MANN!!” referring to the actor by his birth name. Another fan appreciated the film’s visual appeal but criticized its plot twist.
The film’s success at the box office is a testament to Yash’s enduring popularity and the power of star-driven cinema. Despite the negative reviews, Toxic has proven that audiences are willing to support their favorite stars, even when the content is controversial. As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the long term and whether it can sustain its initial momentum.
