Toxic Initial Review Triggers Controversy as Yash Film Described as ‘Difficult Viewing’, Fans Allege ‘Propaganda’

Controversy erupted this week as the first unofficial review of Kannada superstar Yash’s highly anticipated film “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” sparked heated debate across social media platforms. The film, slated for theatrical release on March 19, has been shrouded in both excitement and contention.

The controversy began when controversial film critic and content creator Kamaal R Khan, widely known as KRK, shared what he claimed was feedback from a friend who allegedly viewed the film in an editing room. According to KRK’s post, the unnamed friend described “Toxic” as “the worst film ever made in India” despite its reported ₹500 crore-plus budget. The critic further claimed the film was “difficult to watch even for 30 minutes” and alleged that Yash had exercised complete creative control over the project.

The claims immediately triggered a fierce backlash from fans, who accused KRK of spreading misinformation and engaging in a deliberate smear campaign against the film. Many supporters questioned the credibility of a review based on secondhand information, with some suggesting the negative commentary was orchestrated by rival film camps to undermine the movie’s prospects.

“If he says it’s the worst, that only means it’s the best,” wrote one fan, reflecting the sentiment of many who viewed KRK’s comments as potentially beneficial reverse psychology. Another supporter suggested that only the film’s success would permanently silence what they called “Bollywood bad-mouthing.”

“Toxic” represents Yash’s eagerly awaited return to the big screen following the phenomenal success of “KGF: Chapter 2,” which established him as a pan-Indian star with significant box office draw. Industry analysts have been closely monitoring the project, with many expecting it to continue the successful streak of South Indian cinema in capturing nationwide audiences.

The film’s marketing campaign has been strategically provocative, beginning with a teaser that introduced Yash as Raya, a ruthless gangster. The preview quickly went viral for its bold and sexually explicit visuals, generating significant buzz across social media platforms. A subsequent teaser released ahead of the main trailer further amplified anticipation and was generally well-received by the star’s fan base.

Directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, “Toxic” features an impressive ensemble cast including prominent actresses Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. This combination of star power and the director’s artistic credentials has positioned the film as a potential blockbuster with crossover appeal.

The controversy surrounding the alleged early review highlights the high stakes involved in major film releases in India’s competitive entertainment landscape. With substantial investments and career trajectories on the line, early word-of-mouth can significantly impact a film’s commercial performance. The passionate defense mounted by fans also demonstrates the deeply loyal following Yash has cultivated since his rise to national prominence.

Industry observers note that the South Indian film industry, particularly Kannada cinema, has experienced unprecedented growth and attention in recent years. Films like the “KGF” franchise have challenged the traditional dominance of Hindi cinema at the Indian box office, creating a more diverse and competitive national film market.

As “Toxic” approaches its release date, the controversy has inadvertently generated additional publicity for the film. Whether the early negative assessment will be validated or disproven remains to be seen when audiences and critics experience the finished product in theaters later this month.