Yash Praises Kiara Advani's Commitment to Toxic; Supports Her Amid Backlash

During the audio launch of Geetu Mohandas’ gangster drama Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown‑Ups in Mumbai on Thursday, Kannada star Yash took the opportunity to applaud Kiara Advani’s dedication to the project. The actress, who is returning to the silver screen after her pregnancy, was praised by Yash for her professionalism and the intensity she brought to the demanding role. He recalled that when they first discussed the film, Kiara had asked, “Have you ever done a rain sequence and all?” to which Yash replied, “Never, but it’s going to be good and easy.” He went on to say that even while pregnant, Kiara delivered “100% commitment,” and that both he and the director had to act as her “bouncers and bodyguards” on set to ensure her safety.

Kiara’s performance in the film’s promotional song “Tabahi” sparked a wave of backlash on social media, with critics targeting the intimate scenes. The actress faced unwarranted hate, but the response shifted after the trailer was released. At the trailer launch event in Bengaluru last week, Yash defended Kiara against the criticism, stating that actors must pursue what they believe in and that the public will eventually appreciate their work, even if they are “a little ahead of the times.”

“Toxic” is a dual‑role gangster drama that also stars Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria and Nayanthara. The film marks Yash’s return to the big screen after the 2022 hit KGF Chapter 2 and focuses on a strained father‑son relationship, hinting at a violent showdown while keeping much of the plot under wraps. Shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, it will also be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam, allowing audiences across India to experience the action, thriller and larger‑than‑life storytelling.

Backed by Yash’s Monster Mind Creations and Venkat K. Narayana’s KVN Productions, the film is slated for a theatrical release on August 26. Fans of Kiara Advani and Yash can look forward to seeing the duo’s chemistry on screen as they navigate the high‑stakes world of Toxic.