Amid the ongoing discussion and mixed reactions surrounding Yash starrer Toxic A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups, Dr Shiva Rajkumar has come out in support of the film and called it a “very good attempt.” The Kannada superstar was speaking to the media in Mumbai, where he had arrived for the launch of the title, first look and promo of his upcoming pan-India action thriller Original Monster.
Shiva Rajkumar was specifically asked about his support for Yash and whether he had watched Toxic. The veteran actor clarified that he had not yet managed to watch the film because of his schedule, but said he would definitely watch it. However, he acknowledged that he had already heard reactions from friends and colleagues and had come across people who were appreciating the film.
Speaking about the response, Shiva said, “Yeah, some people are liking the film because uh it's a very good attempt actually. What But they are trying to say something uh because every human being has got that rights to make a film in a different style but what according to what point of view is taking you they have to watch that very so after watching the film I can tell you very beautiful but right now it's good.”
Shiva’s comments are particularly notable because Toxic has been receiving a range of reactions since its worldwide theatrical release on August 26. Rather than judging the film without watching it, the actor emphasised that filmmakers have the freedom to tell stories in their own style and that audiences should understand the point of view behind a film before reaching a conclusion.
When asked whether he had personally seen the movie, Shiva was clear about the situation. “We'll uh No, just come for this one because I Inot get time actually but I'll be watching the film.” His response makes it clear that his words of support were based on what he had heard and his appreciation of the attempt, rather than pretending to have watched a film he had not yet seen.
Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas and stars Yash in a dual role. The period gangster action film has been mounted as a pan-India spectacle and was released across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, besides formats including IMAX and 4DX. The film has also attracted attention for its distinctive visual world and unconventional presentation. With Shiva now stressing that every filmmaker has the right to approach cinema differently, his comments add an important industry perspective to the conversation around Toxic.
Shiva and Yash are two of the biggest names associated with modern Kannada cinema, and their mutual respect has frequently been celebrated by fans. Shiva’s latest comments therefore carry additional weight, particularly at a time when Toxic is generating considerable debate among moviegoers.
Interestingly, Shiva’s own next project, Original Monster, is also being presented as a large-scale action entertainer with a distinctive visual identity. Directed by R Chandru, the film stars Shiva Rajkumar in what the makers have described as a fierce new avatar.
Speaking about Toxic, Shiva ultimately chose to keep the discussion positive while reserving his final judgement until he watches the film himself. “After watching the film I can tell you very beautiful but right now it's good,” he said.
His message is simple but significant: different filmmakers can have different approaches, different styles and different points of view. For Shiva Rajkumar, that freedom is an essential part of cinema.
As Toxic continues its theatrical run, audiences will make their own assessment of Yash and Geetu Mohandas’ ambitious film. But Shiva’s endorsement has certainly added another voice of support from within the Kannada film industry.
For Yash, having a legendary figure like Shiva Rajkumar acknowledge the film as a “very good attempt” is undoubtedly a meaningful moment. And with Shiva promising to watch Toxic himself, fans will perhaps be waiting to hear what the veteran superstar thinks once he has experienced the entire film.