Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty has come out in support of fellow Kannada star Yash and his latest film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, which has faced mixed and critical reactions following its theatrical release.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic marks Yash’s return to the big screen after the massive success of the KGF franchise. The film, which released on August 26, has generated considerable discussion among audiences, particularly over its unconventional storytelling, characters and treatment of its themes.
Rishab Shetty Praises Yash’s Risk
Responding to the criticism, Rishab Shetty described Toxic as a “daring experiment” and praised Yash for completely committing himself to the film’s larger-than-life world. Shetty suggested that a movie should not necessarily be judged negatively simply because its narrative does not follow a conventional formula.
He highlighted the importance of filmmakers and actors taking creative risks instead of repeatedly choosing familiar storylines. According to Shetty, the fact that the plot and its central characters do not follow the “usual track” does not necessarily mean the film has taken the wrong direction.
Strong Support From Kannada Film Industry
Rishab Shetty is not the only prominent Kannada actor to stand behind Yash. Kiccha Sudeep has also praised Yash’s conviction and willingness to experiment with Toxic. Sudeep said attempting something different requires courage, particularly when an actor has already established himself with commercially successful films.
The support from major Kannada stars comes at a time when Toxic is receiving sharply divided reactions. While some viewers have criticized its narrative choices, others have appreciated its visual style, performances and ambitious approach.
Yash’s Vision Gets Attention
Yash has previously defended director Geetu Mohandas and the film’s treatment of women, arguing that the trailers do not reveal the complete message of the movie. He urged audiences to watch the entire film before reaching conclusions based only on promotional material.
The debate surrounding Toxic has therefore extended beyond its box-office performance and into discussions about creative freedom and unconventional storytelling.
For Rishab Shetty, the film represents an important attempt by Yash to move beyond expectations created by his previous successes. His message appears to be that experimentation itself should be appreciated, even when the final product divides audiences.
As Toxic continues its theatrical run, the contrasting reactions from viewers and the strong backing from Kannada cinema personalities are likely to keep the conversation around Yash’s ambitious project alive
