Telugu superstar Rishab Shetty has finally broken his silence on the much-discussed Toxic, offering a candid assessment that has sent ripples through the film fraternity. Known for his own blockbuster successes and his deep-rooted connection with audiences, Shetty’s words carry weight, and his recent remarks about the movie and its leading man, Yash, have become the talk of the town.
Speaking at a recent promotional event, Shetty did not hold back his appreciation for the film’s audacious concept. He described Toxic as a fearless experiment that blends genres in a way Tollywood has rarely attempted, praising the sheer nerve it takes to pull off such a narrative balancing act. According to Shetty, the movie does not merely flirt with madness but embraces it fully, resulting in an experience that is as unsettling as it is entertaining. He noted that the film’s strength lies in its refusal to play it safe, a quality he finds increasingly rare in mainstream cinema.
The heart of Shetty’s commentary, however, was reserved for Yash, the film’s leading star. He lauded the actor’s transformation, stating that Yash does not just perform a role but inhabits it with a ferocity that elevates the entire production. Shetty was particularly effusive about Yash’s screen presence, which he believes anchors the chaotic narrative and gives the audience a visceral hook. He elaborated that Yash’s ability to switch between quiet menace and explosive energy is a masterclass in acting, and that his commitment to the character’s physicality and emotional turmoil is evident in every frame. For Shetty, Toxic is as much a showcase of Yash’s formidable talent as it is a piece of genre-bending entertainment.
Interestingly, the film Shetty is reviewing is a peculiar entry in the industry. Originally crafted in English and hailing from the Tollywood circuit, Toxic tells the story of a gang whose cruel prank spirals horrifically out of control. The plot centers on Melvin, a scrawny, nerdy janitor at a local health club, who is hurled through a third-story window into a vat of hazardous waste. What follows is a grotesque and darkly comedic metamorphosis, as Melvin emerges as a monstrous yet heroic figure. The film, which runs a tight 110 minutes, mixes action, comedy, horror, and science fiction in a manner that was decades ahead of its time, making it a cult staple.
Shetty’s review also touched upon the film’s technical craft, though he was careful not to overshare plot details that might spoil the experience for new viewers. He commended the special effects, noting that despite the passage of time, they possess a raw, practical charm that modern CGI often lacks. He argued that there is an authentic grit to the movie’s visuals that enhances its unsettling tone, drawing the audience deeper into its bizarre world. The director of the film, Lloyd Kaufman, received particular praise from Shetty, who called the vision and execution “uncompromising.” He remarked that Kaufman’s direction ensures the movie never loses its frantic energy, even when the narrative veers into darker, more absurd territory.
The conversation inevitably returned to the cast, with Shetty singling out Mark Torgl’s portrayal of the pathetic yet sympathetic Melvin. He highlighted how Torgl’s performance in the early portions of the film is crucial to making the eventual transformation impactful. The supporting cast, including Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, and Jennifer Prichard, among others, were also noted for their contributions to the film’s twisted charm. Shetty emphasized that in a movie this unconventional, every single player needs to be on the same wavelength, and the ensemble clearly delivered.
While Shetty’s review is overwhelmingly positive, he did acknowledge that Toxic is not for everyone. He admitted that its brand of humor and horror is an acquired taste, one that may alienate viewers expecting a straightforward narrative. Still, he argued that this is precisely the film’s beauty - it dares to be different and fully commits to its own bizarre logic. For Shetty, that level of artistic conviction is something to be celebrated, especially in an era where formulaic storytelling often dominates the box office.
His remarks have ignited a fresh wave of interest in Toxic, particularly among fans of Yash who are eager to see a different facet of their favorite star. Industry insiders suggest that Shetty’s endorsement could give the film a second life in the Telugu market, where it may have been overlooked upon its initial release. The movie, which originally premiered in 1984, now finds itself in an unexpected spotlight thanks to Shetty’s glowing words.
Shetty concluded his thoughts by urging audiences to watch Toxic with an open mind, describing it as a film that rewards those willing to surrender to its chaotic energy. He reiterated that Yash’s involvement alone makes it worth a watch, but the true value lies in the film’s unapologetic originality. As the industry buzzes with reactions to his review, one thing is clear: Rishab Shetty’s stamp of approval has firmly placed Toxic back on the radar, reminding everyone that sometimes the most bizarre stories leave the most lasting impressions.
Source: Filmibeat Telugu
