Yash opened up extensively about ‘Toxic’ at the film’s trailer launch in Bengaluru, addressing everything from persistent reports that the project had been shelved to the challenges of mounting a film that required nearly 200 days of filming. The actor also spoke about director Geetu Mohandas’ vision and explained why he believes ‘Toxic’ should not be confined to the identity of any one regional film industry.According to Yash, the film’s diverse cast came together because the actors and other collaborators were prepared to put personal considerations aside and work towards a common vision.While thanking members of the media who had travelled to Bengaluru for the trailer launch, Yash reflected on how the boundaries between regional industries have evolved.“Now it is no more Kannada, Tamil, Telugu. This is an Indian film,” he said.He pointed to the film’s ensemble cast as proof of that shift, adding, “This movie is not just a Kannada film; this is an Indian film where all the top stars, all the successful people, and all the talented people have contributed.”Yash acknowledged that bringing together several accomplished actors can come with its own set of challenges. With multiple established performers sharing the screen, he said, there can naturally be pressure, expectations and insecurities. However, he believes ‘Toxic’ came together because everyone involved chose to prioritise the film over individual egos.“This film has happened because all these lovely, talented, successful people have kept their egos aside, kept other things aside, and they’ve just come with one cause, to put Indian film on a global platform,” he said.The film has been made in both Kannada and English, presenting another challenge for the actor. Yash, however, said he has never been someone who allows limitations to dictate what he can attempt.“When you want to do something in life, nothing should stop you,” he said. “If I can see it clearly, there’s nothing in life, if you are able to put in effort, time, and what is required, energy or actions towards something, there’s nothing in life which you cannot achieve.”The actor also recognised that ‘Toxic’ represents a considerable departure from what audiences might have expected after the blockbuster ‘KGF’ franchise. He admitted that the film was never designed as a straightforward commercial entertainer.“This movie is a very tough one because the kind of decisions, on the surface level, it was not easy. It is not a perfect commercial package film,” he said.Yash further explained that his choice of director is not necessarily guided by previous box-office performance. For him, a filmmaker’s passion and belief in a project matter more.“I always believe in directors’ passion than their past success,” he said, while pointing out that the success of a movie is ultimately the result of the efforts of a large number of people working behind it.That belief played a major role in his decision to collaborate with Geetu Mohandas. Yash said the filmmaker approached the project with a strong vision and an intense desire to bring it to life.“She had a burning passion, desire, and wanted to show the world what she is capable of doing and what true cinema can be,” he said.Yash also expressed his gratitude to Geetu for the sacrifices and time she invested in ‘Toxic’, telling her that the film would remain a source of pride “for ages to come”.The actor then addressed the recurring reports surrounding the film’s production, particularly claims that it had been halted or abandoned.“Every 10th day or 20th day, there will be news about a film being shelved, a film being stopped. I don’t know from where they write these stories,” Yash said.He explained that a production of ‘Toxic’’s scale was bound to involve logistical hurdles, with the team having to coordinate numerous actors, locations, schedules and other production requirements.Despite those challenges, the project continued moving forward. Yash revealed that ‘Toxic’ was filmed over roughly 200 days, with production commencing exactly two years before the trailer was unveiled on August 8.
