Yash‘s much-awaited ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ hit screens today, and Bengaluru theatres wasted no time turning into celebration zones. From bursting crackers to a full-blown performance, fans danced on the streets outside cinema halls to welcome Yash back to the big screen, four years after work on the film began with director Geetu Mohandas.
Fans go all out for first day first show
The chenda melam, a traditional percussion act built around the cylindrical chenda drum, usually seen at temple festivals and grand events like Thrissur Pooram, became one of the most talked-about parts of the celebrations. Known for its powerful rhythm and gradual build in intensity, the performance added a festive, almost temple-procession energy to the theatre premises as fans grooved along with drummers.
About ‘Toxic’
Set in post-Independence Goa, ‘Toxic’ is a period action thriller following the rise of a violent crime syndicate amid a crumbling colonial order. Yash plays a double role – Raya, an ageing gangster patriarch; and Rumi, aka Ticket, his estranged son on a revenge mission after being abandoned. The film also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria and Huma Qureshi and marks Yash’s first theatrical outing since ‘KGF: Chapter 2’. It released worldwide in multiple languages on August 26, with several cinemas holding early shows from 6 am.
Early reactions
Reactions on X were split right from the first show. One viewer said, “Yash and cinematography are the only saving grace,” while praising the scale of the action sequences. However, the same review didn’t hold back on the writing, adding, “The story and screenplay are a complete disaster,” and calling the intimate scenes forced. The review also blasted the performances of the female cast as “CRINGE PRO MAX,” criticised the music, gave the film 2/5, and summed it up as a “bold and different attempt” where style overshadowed substance.A second viewer echoed praise for Yash, the stunts and visuals, but flagged the nearly three-hour runtime as a drag on the overall experience.
Release date, runtime and certification
‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ released on August 26, 2026. The CBFC has granted the Hindi version an ‘A’ certificate after the required cuts. At 194.12 minutes – 3 hours, 14 minutes and 12 seconds – it ranks among the longer theatrical releases of the year, adding to the debate around pacing even as fans continue celebrating Yash’s comeback.
