Bengaluru: Yash has come out in support of Kiara Advani amid criticism surrounding her performance in the song Tabaahi from Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Speaking at the film’s trailer launch in Bengaluru, the actor praised Kiara’s commitment to the project and urged her not to be affected by negative reactions.
Yash, who is also a co-writer and co-producer of Toxic, described Kiara’s approach to the role as dedicated and praised her for taking on a challenging part. His comments come as the song and its intimate imagery have become a talking point ahead of the film’s theatrical release on August 26.
Yash asks Kiara to ignore the negativity
Addressing Kiara at the trailer launch, Yash said she should remain focused on what she believes in rather than being influenced by criticism. He acknowledged that actors often have to deal with public reactions to their performances and suggested that the film may be attempting something beyond conventional expectations.
“Whatever you believe in, you should do, and people will celebrate, people will appreciate. It’s just that we are a little ahead of times,” Yash said at the event.
His comments were particularly significant because Tabaahi has generated discussion around Kiara’s portrayal and the intimate portions involving her character. Rather than distancing himself from the controversy, Yash defended his co-star and highlighted her willingness to commit herself to the film.
He also told the cast that their performances in Toxic could change the way audiences perceive them.
“I promise every actor in Toxic that after this movie, they will be seen differently. I want to say sorry that we really pushed you guys,” Yash said.
The actor’s remarks underline the ambition behind the project, which brings together performers from different Indian film industries.
Yash calls Toxic an Indian film
Yash also stressed that he does not view Toxic simply as a Kannada-language project. The film features a large ensemble drawn from different parts of India’s film industry, including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. Current listings show the film scheduled for release on August 26 in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English.
According to Yash, the project represents a coming together of talent without the traditional boundaries between regional industries.
He described Toxic as an Indian film intended to reach a global audience, rather than a project that should be categorised only by the language in which it was made.
The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas, with Yash and Mohandas credited as writers. Yash is also among the producers, alongside Venkat K. Narayana.
Yash opens up about Radhika Pandit’s support
The trailer launch also became an opportunity for Yash to speak about the demanding process of making Toxic. The actor said the film required him to push himself physically and spend considerable time working on different looks for his character.
Yash credited his wife, actor Radhika Pandit, for supporting him throughout the lengthy production.
“I want to thank my wife. It’s not easy to be associated with me in any way. I am a difficult person to be with,” Yash said, while describing the project as particularly demanding.
He added that he had pushed himself beyond his comfort zone and had to work on multiple looks for the film. According to the actor, the amount of time required for the project made his wife’s support especially important.
The comments offer a glimpse into the scale of the production and the physical and creative demands placed on Yash as he takes on the central role.
Nayanthara praised for her role
Yash also had words of praise for Nayanthara, who plays his sister Ganga in the film. He called her the “most badass sister” and acknowledged the difficulties surrounding her availability during the production.
The actor said Nayanthara had limited time because of scheduling issues but still committed herself to the project.
He also praised her stature in the industry, referring to her as a “lady superstar” and saying that she brought considerable grace to the role.
The combination of Yash and Nayanthara has been one of the major talking points surrounding Toxic. The film’s ensemble also includes Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth, adding to its pan-India appeal.
Toxic sets up a darker world
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is being positioned as a dark action thriller set against a period backdrop. Current movie listings describe a story set in Goa during a period when Portuguese rule still shaped the region, with power, betrayal and violence forming the core of the narrative.
Yash plays Raya, while Kiara Advani plays Nadia and Nayanthara portrays Ganga. Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth are also part of the principal cast.
The film has already attracted attention because of its visual style, action sequences and the contrasting personalities of its characters. The release of the trailer has further intensified interest, particularly after the earlier promotional material generated discussion around the film’s tone and treatment of its female characters.
For Kiara, Toxic marks a significant return to the big screen, with the actress taking on a role that appears considerably different from several of her recent mainstream performances. The criticism surrounding Tabaahi has therefore become part of the wider conversation around the film before its theatrical release.
Film set for August 26 release
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 26, 2026. The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas and features Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth in prominent roles.
With the trailer now out and the promotional campaign gathering pace, the makers will be hoping that curiosity around the film translates into strong theatrical interest. Yash’s defence of Kiara also makes it clear that the team is standing behind the creative choices made for the project.
Ultimately, audiences will decide whether Toxic successfully delivers the bold and unconventional experience promised by its promotional material. For now, Yash’s message to Kiara is clear: stay committed to the role, ignore the noise and let the film speak for itself.