Yash’s Toxic Teaser Sparks Frenzy, Fans Say ‘RIP Dhurandhar 2’

The teaser of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, was released on Friday morning, marking his first film since the KGF Chapter 2 franchise.

The makers had announced the teaser drop on Thursday afternoon and released the action packed promo across social media as scheduled. The teaser opens with Yash’s character Raya being told that the war he faces is different. It features a montage of battles and fistfights, followed by scenes of graphic violence, including the character chopping off limbs and beating men, while asking for “f***ing manners”.

The teaser also introduces the antagonist, played by Tovino Thomas, who appears towards the end and says, “I'm home, daddy!”

Early reactions from fans were largely positive. One user wrote, “Another blockbuster from Kannada industry.” Another referenced Yash’s character from the KGF franchise and said, “King of Indian Cinema Rocky Bhai.” Some users predicted that the film would impact the box office prospects of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which releases on the same day. One comment read, “RIP TO DURANDHAR-2.”

Several viewers also commented on the graphic nature of certain scenes. “Never expected this type of scene from Yash,” one fan wrote.

Earlier, on January 8, the makers had released the first look video of the film on Yash’s birthday. The video was widely described as the first teaser and featured the actor making out with a woman inside a car before gunning down several men. The video drew mixed reactions, with criticism over a graphic scene set at a cemetery. Complaints were filed by a Christian body and a state women’s commission, and an FIR was registered against the makers. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was among those who defended the first look video.

Directed by Geethu Mohandas, Toxic also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair in key roles. Yash and Geethu Mohandas co wrote the film.

The film has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English and is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19. It will clash at the box office with Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh.