Yash has finally returned to the big screen after a four-year gap with Toxic, his first release since the blockbuster KGF franchise. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the action drama has opened across India in Kannada, English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
The film, which also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth and Huma Qureshi, generated considerable buzz ahead of its release. Early ticket sales have added to the anticipation, with the film recording strong advance bookings across several markets.
According to the figures cited in the live updates, Toxic had sold more than 1.5 million tickets for its opening day in India, generating around ₹49 crore in advance gross. The Hindi version alone contributed about ₹28 crore to the advance sales.
The film has also reportedly recorded strong demand in Bengaluru. Its makers claimed that Toxic had registered all-time records in the city for Day 1 advance sales, along with unprecedented early-morning shows and fast-filling screenings.
Fans turn out in large numbers
Yash’s return has sparked celebrations among fans in Karnataka and other parts of India. Large crowds were reported in Bengaluru, Raichur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Gadag and Belagavi, with fans arriving for first-day-first-show screenings wearing Toxic T-shirts and carrying banners and cut-outs of the actor.
The film’s strong opening-day demand has led to expectations of a substantial box-office debut. Early estimates cited in the live updates put the domestic opening at around ₹80-90 crore net, while the worldwide gross could reach ₹120-130 crore.
Early reviews remain mixed
Despite the strong audience turnout and advance booking numbers, early reactions to Toxic have been divided.
Some initial social media reviews have criticised the film’s writing, screenplay and editing. One early reaction described it as a technically polished film let down by chaotic writing and an exhausting execution. Another review called the movie a boring and violent action drama.
These reactions, however, are based on early screenings and social media posts rather than a consensus from a wider set of critics or audiences.
Court order over defamatory reports
On the day of release, the film also became the subject of a legal development. According to the live updates, a Bengaluru court restrained the publication and broadcast of false and defamatory news concerning the film.
The makers, KVN Productions, had approached the Sessions Court seeking protection, following which the 36th CCH Court in Bengaluru issued the order.
Yash returns after KGF
Toxic marks Yash’s first theatrical release in four years and comes after the enormous success of the KGF films. The actor’s return, combined with Geetu Mohandas’ direction and a large ensemble cast, has made the film one of the most anticipated releases of 2026.
The film’s eventual box-office performance will depend on how it holds after the opening-day rush and whether audience reactions improve or remain divided. For now, however, strong advance bookings and packed shows have given Yash’s comeback a powerful start.
