Rocking Star Yash, who has taken Kannada cinema to the global stage and emerged as one of Indian cinema’s most prominent stars, spoke with remarkable conviction at the Toxic trailer launch, reflecting on his journey, his vision and the mammoth effort behind the much-awaited film.
Known for thinking big, bigger and biggest, Yash has steadily transformed himself from the Paduvarahalli Hudga into a global star. Interestingly, even the details surrounding the Toxic trailer launch appeared to carry his fascination for the number eight. Born on January 8, Yash chose August 8 for the event, while the date 26-8-26 also adds up to eight when the digits are considered individually. The trailer launch at 7:01 pm further reflected the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into the film and its presentation.
At the Toxic trailer launch, Yash first addressed the gathering in Kannada, winning the hearts of the audience with his trademark warmth, before switching to English and leaving the gathering impressed with his articulate thoughts and vocabulary.
“Karnatakakke Swagatha mattu Suswagatha,” he said, drawing thunderous whistles and applause from the crowd.
Acknowledging the immense love and support he has received from the people of Karnataka, Yash said, “The people have given me strength. In every victory of mine, there is the love of the people of Karnataka. I have gone a step ahead today, and I ask you to believe in me. I will not let you down.”
Quoting the Kannada saying, “Kalakke takkante belibeku, taalakke takkante kunibeku,” Yash said the film has something for the present generation and audiences across the world.
He further added, “Hemme inda tale ettakke. I will never give up,” drawing a thunderous response from the audience.
‘TOXIC’ IS NOT A KANNADA, TELUGU OR TAMIL FILM — IT IS AN INDIAN FILM
According to Yash, Toxic transcends the conventional boundaries of language and regional cinema.
“This is an Indian film. I believe this is the right example of what an Indian film can be,” he said.
Yash emphasized that Toxic is not merely a Yash film, but the result of an entire team putting aside ego, insecurity and individual agendas to focus on one common goal.
“It is not a Yash film. Everyone gave up ego and insecurity, looked at the goal and worked without being selfish. As the film progressed through the shoot, there were a lot of apprehensions. My only response was—do not listen to them. We have shot the film in both Kannada and English. I can see nothing that can stop us,” he said.
Describing Toxic as a film that cannot be easily measured or categorised, Yash added, “When something that seems impossible becomes possible, you cannot gauge what this cinema is going to be. It is a unique combination and a unique effort. The passion of everyone who has worked on this film will not go waste.”
He expressed confidence that the enormous time, energy and passion invested by the team would be visible on screen.
“The time and energy everyone has put into this film will be seen in the best possible way. Most of the actors from this film will see different paths in their lives after this. They have put in such burning passion to make this a delightful movie. The result is for you to watch on screen,” Yash said.
YASH LAUDS THE ‘TOXIC’ TEAM
During his address, the Rocking Star spoke passionately about the principal cast and crew, including Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. He also acknowledged the contributions of the cinematographer, action director and music directors, crediting each of them for bringing the world of Toxic to life.
Calling the making of Toxic nothing short of a war, Yash praised KVN for standing firmly behind the project.
“This is a war. KVN never stopped for anything. We have shot for 200 days over more than two years. He stood like a rock. It is not just about money; it is about something much more. He dreamt of this, and he stood by that dream,” Yash said.
Yash also placed on record his gratitude to his wife, Radhika Pandit, for her unwavering support throughout the making of the film.
“I should thank my wife Radhika for giving me so much cooperation. She pushed with the right intent for this content. I have three different looks in the film, and managing everything required a lot of time. I made it a point that nothing should go to waste,” he said.
For Yash, the entire journey has ultimately come down to sincerity, perseverance and faith. “Be honest and God will bless you—that is my feeling,” he said.
And in a statement that perhaps best captures his humility despite his meteoric rise, Yash concluded: “I am just a labourer of Indian cinema.”
The statement drew loud applause, perfectly summing up the spirit with which Yash appears to have approached Toxic—not merely as a star vehicle, but as a passionate attempt to create something larger, bolder and distinctly Indian for audiences across the world.
