Rishab Shetty Backs Yash’s Toxic, Calls It a Bold Cinematic Experiment

Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty has publicly supported Yash and his latest film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, describing the project as a bold attempt to move away from conventional storytelling. His comments come at a time when the film has been receiving a mixed response from audiences and critics following its theatrical release on August 26.

Yash, who rose to nationwide prominence through the KGF franchise, returns to the big screen with Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film takes a markedly different route from the familiar commercial template associated with the actor's earlier blockbusters. Rishab's remarks highlight the creative risk involved in choosing such an unconventional project.

Rishab Shetty Praises Yash’s Commitment

Rishab focused particularly on the dedication Yash has shown toward his character. According to the actor-filmmaker, the role demands a larger-than-life presence, and Yash appears to have completely immersed himself in the world created for the film.

Rather than judging the movie purely by whether its storyline follows familiar patterns, Rishab asked viewers to consider the effort involved in transforming an idea into a finished cinematic experience. He suggested that an unconventional narrative should not automatically be considered a mistake simply because it does not follow the route normally taken by mainstream films.

His comments underline an important aspect of filmmaking: experimentation can involve risks, particularly when an established star chooses to step outside the formula that audiences already associate with him.

‘Toxic’ Takes an Unusual Route

Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is presented as a gangster action thriller with an unconventional storytelling approach. Yash appears in dual roles, while the cast includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.

The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas and jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations LLP.

The project represents a significant choice for Yash after the enormous popularity of the KGF films. Instead of simply returning with another straightforward action entertainer built around the same formula, the actor has opted for a film with a distinct visual and narrative identity.

That decision has produced divided opinions. While some viewers have appreciated the film's ambition, style and performances, others have questioned aspects of its storytelling. The mixed reaction has made discussions surrounding Yash's latest release particularly intense.

Rishab Stands Behind the Experiment

Rishab's message was not simply praise for Yash's performance. It was also an endorsement of the willingness to experiment.

He pointed out that bringing a character to life requires an actor to emotionally commit to the role. In his view, Yash's portrayal demonstrates that level of involvement. Rishab also highlighted the challenge of presenting the psychological impact of guilt and the way it can contribute to a person's increasingly destructive state.

For Rishab, that attempt itself deserves recognition, even if the finished film does not appeal equally to every viewer.

His support is notable because both actors have played an important role in expanding the reach of Kannada cinema. Rishab's Kantara became a major national success, while Yash's KGF films helped establish Kannada-language cinema as a powerful force in the Indian commercial film market.

Kannada Cinema’s Global Ambitions

Another major point in Rishab's message was his appreciation for Yash's efforts to take Kannada cinema to a wider international audience.

Over the past few years, Kannada films have increasingly attracted viewers outside Karnataka. The success of films such as KGF and Kantara demonstrated that regional-language productions can achieve national and international visibility when they combine distinctive storytelling with strong filmmaking.

Rishab sees Yash's decision to attempt something different as part of that larger journey. His message therefore goes beyond one film and one performance. It reflects a sense of solidarity within the Kannada film industry as its leading actors continue trying to expand the industry's reach.

Support Amid Mixed Reactions

Rishab's comments arrive as Toxic continues to generate debate after its release. Other prominent Kannada stars have also expressed support for Yash and the film's willingness to move away from predictable commercial formulas. Kichcha Sudeep, for instance, praised Yash for choosing an unconventional path rather than simply repeating the approach of his earlier blockbuster.

For Yash, the response to Toxic represents another chapter in a career increasingly built around ambitious projects. The film may have divided opinions, but Rishab Shetty's message makes one thing clear: taking creative risks remains an important part of cinema, particularly when established stars are willing to challenge expectations.

With Toxic, Yash and Geetu Mohandas have chosen to pursue a different cinematic direction. Whether audiences ultimately embrace that experiment remains part of the film's ongoing journey, but Rishab Shetty has made his position clear—he respects the courage behind the attempt and stands with Yash in taking that risk.