Toxic is a sprawling action thriller that combines gangster drama, revenge, family relationships and the glamorous yet dangerous world of drug trafficking. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film marks Rocking Star Yash’s return to the big screen four years after the KGF films. The film runs for 3 hours and 14 minutes and features Yash in a dual role.
The film immediately sets the tone with Yash playing Raya, making a spectacular mass entry. His striking appearance, aggressive body language and carefully designed elevation moments are among the biggest crowd-pleasers of the first half.
The story moves forward as a revenge drama, with the relationship between Yash and Nayanthara providing some of the film’s strongest emotional and dramatic moments. Particularly impressive are the 15 minutes before the interval, which belong almost entirely to Nayanthara, who gets a series of powerful and action-packed moments.
Kiara Advani makes a strong visual impact in the circus sequences, while Ravi Basrur’s background score gives the film much of its energy. The picturisation of the song “Tabaahi” is another major strength.
The film is packed with action almost from the opening, including the much-talked-about “circus fight” and “ladies fight” sequences. While these set pieces are designed to deliver a high dose of adrenaline, the violence becomes excessive and over-the-top in places, which can make some portions uncomfortable.
Despite that, the first half remains engaging and moves at a reasonably steady pace, keeping the audience interested.
After a four-year gap following the KGF films, Yash clearly knows what his fans expect from him. His extraordinary body language, rugged and aggressive look and command over emotional and sentimental scenes make his performance one of the film’s biggest assets.
His dual-role performance adds another layer to the film and gives him ample opportunity to display different shades of his acting.
Nayanthara and Kiara Advani, who appear in prominent roles, make meaningful contributions to their respective characters. Nayanthara, in particular, gets some of the film’s most forceful sequences.
Huma Qureshi, who plays a mafia boss, makes an impact with her commanding screen presence. Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth also attract attention with lively and intimidating performances.
The technical department is another major strength of Toxic. Rajeev Ravi’s cinematography captures the old streets of Goa on a grand scale, while also giving the action sequences a visually imposing treatment. The period setting and locations add considerable atmosphere to the gangster world.
The music and background score by Ravi Basrur, Vishal Mishra and Tanishk Bagchi provide the film with the required mass appeal and emotional punch. The music works particularly well in enhancing the film’s larger-than-life moments.
The action choreography by J.J. Perry and Anbariv is designed on a Hollywood scale. The fight sequences are elaborate, explosive and technically polished, making them a major attraction for action-film audiences.
Toxic works best when it embraces its larger-than-life gangster world. Its depiction of an expansive drug-trafficking universe, combined with the psychological complexities within relationships, is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
Yash’s commanding screen presence, Nayanthara’s powerful portions, the impressive supporting cast, grand cinematography, energetic music and Hollywood-style action give the film plenty to offer.