Tharun Sudhir about the Toxic birthday teasers’ backlash: There’s a reason behind everything Yash does

Raakshasa producer and director of films like Chowka, Roberrt and Kaatera, Tharun Sudhir has also served as writer on several projects, including Rocking Star Yash’s Gajakesari. Tharun, a second-generation actor-filmmaker, is also good friends with the Toxic star. So, when he addressed the media about Raakshasa , the 7-episode series that he produced for Zee5 that’s dropping on the platform (via OTTplay Premium also) on February 20, he was asked his take on the birthday teasers that came out on Yash’s birthday in 2025 and 2026.

What's Tharun's take on the earlier Toxic teasers?

Both had been widely trolled for their objectification of women, with the comments directed at director Geethu Mohandas rather than Yash. Speaking to Vishwavani, Tharun said, “Yash is a very sensible guy, so, if he has made a certain move, there will be a logical reason behind it. He won’t do anything as a marketing gimmick. There will be strong reasons behind everything that’s been done for and with the film. If he has incorporated a certain element in a teaser, he would have done that with a purpose.”

Tharun adds that his reading of both the teasers is that Yash has tried to set audience expectations as to what is in store. “He is telling audiences that these elements will be in the film, but when you are in the theatre, you will realize that it will be a minor segment in the larger scheme of things. He does not want to surprise his audiences,” said Tharun, who remains positive that the Rocking Star will not alienate his family audiences with Toxic.

Also read: Toxic teaser announcement: Where Rocky’s journey ends with a bottle, Raya’s begins, say netizens 

Meanwhile, the first full-fledged pre-release teaser of Toxic is set to drop on February 20, 2026 at 9.35 am. Fans are hopeful that the tone that the teaser sets will be enough for team Dhurandhar 2 to reconsider the current imminent box office clash. The film, an action-packed gangster flick set in the 40s to the 70s is about one man’s bloody fight to set up an empire in Goa. Toxic will be in theatres on March 19, 2026.

Toxic FAQs

Q. Who is the director of Toxic A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups?

A. Toxic A Fairy Tale for Adults has been directed by Moothon maker Geethu Mohandas in what is her Kannada debut. She has co-written the film with leading man Yash.

Q. Where to watch Toxic A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups?

A. Toxic will be in theatres on March 19, 2026. A Kannada original film, it will have dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English as well.