It’s all happening for Yash

OB Bureau

The makers of director Geethu Mohandas’s much-awaited action entertainer Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups dropped a hard-hitting teaser on Friday, sending fans into a frenzy. And if first impressions are anything to go by, this isn’t just another mass spectacle; it’s a full-blown cinematic reinvention.

The teaser opens up a massive world that is as vibrant as it is brutal. From a circus setting to an East Asian-inspired backdrop, the film appears to travel across different time periods, drenched in a moody, edgy atmosphere. High-octane visuals dominate the screen, but beneath the spectacle lies a clear emphasis on storytelling and performance.

At the heart of this storm stands Yash; transformed beyond recognition. The star undergoes a dramatic physical evolution, shifting from a lean, agile silhouette to a massive, battle-hardened frame.

For fans who watched him conquer screens in KGF, this signals a bold new chapter. The film boasts a strong female line-up as well. Nayanthara plays Ganga, Kiara Advani essays the role of Nadia, Huma Qureshi appears as Elizabeth, Rukmini Vasanth plays Mellisa, and Tara Sutaria takes on the character of Rebecca.

Written by Yash and Geethu Mohandas and directed by Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English. Dubbed versions are planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and several other languages, signalling a clear global ambition.

The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19 and is set for a box-office clash with the Bollywood biggie Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

Even as anticipation builds around Toxic, Yash has another epic lined up. He will essay the role of Lankesh (Ravana) in Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The large-scale adaptation of the Indian epic stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, and focuses on Ram’s early life, exile and moral journey. The film blends practical sets with extensive VFX and features music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

Meanwhile, off screen, the superstar’s Valentine’s Day turned into a viral moment. Radhika Pandit, Yash’s wife, took to Instagram to share a romantic photograph of the couple watching fireworks by the waterfront. In a heartfelt note, she wrote, “To the man who made it possible for me to dance like no one’s watching… I see the tiredness in your eyes, the sacrifices no one else notices, the weight of long days you carry without complaining. I know it’s for us. Thank you for choosing me every single day. Happy Valentine’s Day, my forever”.

The post quickly resonated with fans, who praised the couple for their enduring bond. Known for keeping their personal life graceful yet private, the message offered a rare glimpse into the emotional anchor behind one of Kannada cinema’s biggest stars.

With a dark new avatar in Toxic and an epic turn in Ramayana on the horizon, Yash is clearly not slowing down. If the teaser is anything to go by, March 19 could mark the beginning of yet another blockbuster chapter.

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HL: A new route for Shine Shetty

OB Bureau

Bigg Boss Kannada Season 7 winner Shine Shetty is shifting gears and this time, he’s in the driver’s seat. The actor’s upcoming film Shankarabharana has already sparked curiosity, thanks to its evocative title. Now, the buzz has picked up pace with the release of the film’s motion poster and the announcement that shooting has been completed.

Backed by Rangasthala Studios, Shankarabharana is produced by Diwakar Shetty and Shine Shetty. The project also marks Shine’s debut production venture under his banner Ranggasthala, with entrepreneur Divakar Shetty and Gururaj Kulkarni lending industry strength to the film’s foundation.

At the heart of the story is a bus and it’s no ordinary vehicle. The bus is named “Shankarabharana”, and Shine steps into the role of its driver. The film revolves around what unfolds when this bus driver is assigned a new route to a remote village.

Set against the rich coastal backdrop of Karnataka, the narrative draws heavily from the cultural and colloquial texture of the Udupi and Mangaluru region. The story traces the hero’s journey as he navigates unexpected roadblocks and emotional challenges, blending local flavour with humour distinct to the coast.

While the title may evoke nostalgia and remind some of the iconic Telugu classic Shankarabharanam, the makers have clarified that this film takes a completely different route.

The film is helmed by Sumanth Bhat, best known for Mithya and Ekam. His earlier directorial venture Mithya drew attention for its unique storyline, raising expectations for this latest outing. With Bhat calling the shots, Shankarabharana promises a strong narrative sensibility wrapped in action and emotion.

Music for the film has been composed by Charan Raj, while cinematography is handled by Udit Khurana. After notable roles in films such as Oru Egg Katha, Kanthara and James, Shine Shetty is now gearing up to deliver what could be another standout performance. Producers Shine Shetty and Diwakar Shetty have said their aim through Rangasthala Studios is to tell real stories and with Shankarabharana, they appear to be steering straight into rooted storytelling.

With the shoot wrapped and the motion poster out, fans are eagerly awaiting further updates. If the early buzz is anything to go by, Shankarabharana is ready to take audiences on a coastal ride packed with heart, humour and high hopes.

 

HL: The Rs-100 Kannada cinema debate

 

OB Bureau

Actor-producer V. Ravichandran has always worn his love for the Kannada film industry on his sleeve. A staunch believer in backing local cinema, he recently made a passionate appeal, urging audiences to step into theatres and support Kannada films.

But one line from his speech has now snowballed into a full-blown debate. Speaking at the trailer launch of Sathish Ninasam-starrer The Rise of Ashoka, Ravichandran said more people must cultivate the habit of watching films in theatres.

“More and more people should go to theatres. Don’t you want to pay Rs 100 to watch a movie? Even if the film is not good, it is okay to spend 100 rupees. If you win a few films, you won’t be able to do anything,” he said.

His intention was clear, strengthen the industry by ensuring footfalls. But the remark about spending Rs 100 even if a film isn’t good has stirred sharp reactions.

 

For starters, movie tickets are no longer available at Rs 100 in most theatres. Prices hover between Rs 150 and Rs 200 in many places. And for families, a theatre outing is rarely a solo affair. When an entire family steps out, the cost can easily touch Rs 1,000. Add snacks, travel and time; it becomes a substantial investment for the middle class.

The bigger question raised by critics: -will audiences pay if they are unsure about quality? Kannada cinema produces around 200 films every year. If one were to watch 100 of them at Rs 100 each, it would add up to Rs 10,000 and far more at current ticket prices. For many middle-class households, such spending demands assurance of solid storytelling, gripping narratives and tight direction.

Viewers argue that when good films release, they do respond. Movies like Su From So and Vegetarian are cited as examples of content-driven films that found appreciation and support. The audience, many insist, is not unwilling; it is selective.

Writer Amarnath Shivshankar weighed in with a sharp analogy. “If the food in a hotel is not good, and the attitude of the hotel owners is not good, people won’t go there no matter how hungry they are. If you say our cooking is like this, just come and eat and support us; who can support us?” he asked.

The debate has now shifted from ticket prices to accountability and quality. While Ravichandran’s plea stems from concern for the industry’s growth, audiences are signalling that emotional appeals alone may not fill seats.