At the Toxic trailer launch, Yash spent little time talking about himself. After speaking about the making of Toxic and acknowledging director Geetu Mohandas, producer Venkat K Narayana and wife Radhika Pandit, he spent a large part of his speech appreciating his co-stars, crediting them for carrying the film alongside him.
Turning towards Nayanthara, whom he fondly addressed as "Nayan", Yash spoke about the courage required to make unconventional choices after reaching the top. Mentioning her stature as the Lady Superstar, he said, "It takes a lot of grace to choose a role like this. I liked the way you entered this project despite the date clashes. You made it happen." Calling her character "the most badass sister anybody could have," he praised the conviction she brought to the film and thanked her for travelling to Bengaluru for the event, despite rarely attending promotional appearances.
Tara Sutaria received one of the evening's most affectionate acknowledgements. According to Yash, her presence became so valuable during production that the team found themselves expanding her role. It was an interesting admission because it revealed how films continue to evolve long after the script is completed. Sometimes, an actor changes the film simply by being there.
Huma Qureshi's introduction began with humour. Yash laughed that she had become Toxic's unofficial brand ambassador by speaking about the film wherever she went. Beneath the joke, however, was genuine appreciation for an actor who stayed committed to a production that stretched over several years.
His promise to audiences was simple: "When you watch Huma in the film, she is going to blow your mind."
Akshay Oberoi received praise that went beyond his performance. Working with him became a learning process in itself, said Yash.
"Sometimes, you learn simply by watching someone," the actor added. "Radhika kept mentioning that you often spoke about me in your interviews. I was like, 'What have I done?' In fact, I have a lot to learn from you." It was another reminder that, for Yash, cinema is built as much through observation as instruction.
Perhaps the surprise came when Yash spoke about Sudev Nair. He described him as one of the invisible pillars who kept Toxic moving whenever production hit unexpected obstacles.
"If not for Sudev, this movie wouldn't have happened. Every time somebody's dates could not be accommodated, he would make up for it."
It was a generous acknowledgement of someone whose contribution largely remained behind the scenes. Yash reserved a special mention for Rukmini Vasanth. Seeing another Kannada actor stand comfortably alongside some of Indian cinema's biggest names gave him particular satisfaction. He praised her professionalism, how well-read she is, and the fact that she trained at an acting school in London, suggesting that collaboration mattered as much as performance.
Kiara Advani's mention naturally brought loud cheers. With "Tabaahi" already becoming one of the talking points around Toxic, audiences have only seen glimpses of her character. Yash insisted there was much more to come.
He admitted there had initially been concerns about bringing together so many established actors for one production. Those fears disappeared quickly. According to him, Kiara arrived without ego, adapted effortlessly to the demands of the film and remained completely committed throughout.
"She was completely down to earth." He thanked her for placing her trust in her role in Toxic and in Geetu Mohandas' vision. Last but not least came Yash's final thank you of the evening: the media.
Over the last two years, Toxic has attracted constant speculation. Questions about delays, schedules and release dates repeatedly became headlines. Yash acknowledged that reality. But he also remembered something else. "I have seen many of you fight for this film."
It was his way of recognising journalists who looked beyond rumours and believed the delays came from a desire to make the film better rather than merely postpone it. "I have never taken that support for granted," he concluded.
