Rishab Shetty Defends Yash's Film Toxic as Daring Experiment

Fellow Kannada actor Rishab Shetty has publicly defended superstar Yash and his latest film, "Toxic: A Fairy Tale for GrownUps," following its mixed reception from critics and audiences. Shetty praised Yash's commitment to the ambitious project, calling it a "daring experiment" that deserves recognition for its artistic effort. "Toxic," a gangster drama directed by Geetu Mohandas, was released in theaters on August 26, 2026. The film, reportedly mounted on a budget of over Rs 500 crore, features Yash in dual roles and is set against the backdrop of the Portuguese-era opium trade in Goa. Despite high expectations, the film has faced criticism for its screenplay and runtime, leading to varied audience reactions and discussions about its box office performance. In a post shared on his social media handle on August 29, Shetty, a National Award-winning actor and filmmaker, offered his support. He focused on the ambition behind the project and Yash's willingness to take a creative risk. "As an artist, when you play a character, you try to bring it to life from the bottom of your heart.