Kannada superstar Yash is set to dominate screens with TOXIC, releasing August 26, 2026 during Onam. Director Geetu Mohandas crafted a crime thriller set in coastal Goa, centered on a powerful drug cartel built through blood, fear, and betrayal. The production budget hit approximately ₹500 crore—among the largest ever for Kannada cinema.

Yash reportedly earned ₹50 crore for his dual role. The combined remuneration for the entire cast and crew exceeded ₹100 crore, according to trade reports from July 10.

The Cast

Nayanthara plays Ganga. Kiara Advani is Nadia. Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi round out the ensemble. The film was produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash himself under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.

The Buzz

A promotional teaser titled “Ladies & Ladies” dropped July 1. The full “Tabaahi” song released July 8, showing the film’s ambitious visual scale. Early reactions suggest Geetu Mohandas delivered something darker and more complex than typical Kannada action cinema.

The August release positions TOXIC perfectly for the festival season, capitalizing on the Onam holiday weekend across South India and Kerala. Given the budget and cast, the film will need to perform strongly across regional and national multiplexes.

TOXIC arrives August 26, 2026. Book tickets for opening weekend.