Toxic Movie Review: Yash-starrer action thriller is a cacophony of overbearing emotions that is both soulless and unimpressive

Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is a period action thriller starring Yash, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film spans five decades, from the Portuguese era in Goa to post-independence India, centered around Raya, an outlaw seeking power and empire. Raya’s rise is marked by violence, jealousy, and chaotic personal life, including relationships with Nadia, the mother of his child Rumi. His past returns when Rumi returns to settle scores. The film’s visuals are praised for their grandeur and stylized period setting, reminiscent of 1920s Chicago but within an Indian context. Action sequences are impressive, though the film leans heavily into traditional hero worship and machismo tropes. The screenplay is criticized for being weak and poorly executed, lacking emotional balance, and failing to engage beyond its action-driven world. Yash delivers a charming performance, anchoring the narrative. Supporting actresses like Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi are noted for their strong character portrayals. The film’s music, borrowed from classic Hollywood and Hong Kong films, also falls short in keeping viewers engaged. With a runtime exceeding three hours, Toxic feels like a chaotic, overbearing experience, ultimately failing to deliver a cohesive or compelling story.