Toxic early reviews: Yash's raging fairytale leaves a bitter taste, Kiara Advani gets a raw deal

Yash's eagerly anticipated Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has finally hit theaters, but early reviews reveal a polarized audience. The much-hyped film, directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-written by Yash himself, faced enormous expectations following months of buzz and a bold marketing campaign. Despite a technically sound execution, the film is plagued by chaotic writing and confusing execution, according to Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) on August 26, 2026.

The film's primary issue appears to be its lack of proper character introductions and a clear narrative flow, leaving viewers confused about the events unfolding on screen. The 194-minute runtime is also a major sticking point, with at least one critic likening the film to a disaster, similar to Yash's earlier pan-India project Saaho. The reviewer did praise the film's action choreography, with the circus sequence standing out as a standout set piece, showcasing Yash's screen presence effectively.

However, the film's heavily stylized dialogue, replete with rhymes and repetitive analogies, was criticized as grating rather than impactful. The editing style, described as relentlessly fast-paced, failed to allow emotional beats to breathe. The film's heavy reliance on violence, glamour, and bold visual choices were also criticized for serving as substitutes for actual story progression.

Despite these criticisms, the film does have some positives. Yash's commanding screen presence and the production values, particularly the cinematography, are consistently praised. A few standout scenes, such as the circus action sequence and moments shared between Yash and Kiara Advani, also received positive feedback. The film's climax is also noted as a potential saving grace, providing a strong final act after a lengthy and confusing first half.