Yash, can you tell us about Toxic and how it differs from your previous work?
Yash: Toxic is not your typical gangster-action film. On the surface, it may look like a usual action-packed movie, but it is layered with depth and psychological themes that explore aspects of human life in a very unique way. It’s an ambitious film, and for the first time, we have shot the film in English as well. While it has elements of action, it brings in a much-needed complexity that people can really resonate with.
What kind of psychological elements can the audience expect from Toxic?
Yash: The film delves into the psyche of its characters, particularly the dark ones. Geetu Mohandas, the director, has a very unique approach to portraying these complex characters. It’s not just about action; it’s about the emotional and psychological journeys they go through. This is something that makes Toxic stand out from other films in the same genre.
How does Toxic fit into the global evolution of Indian cinema that you've mentioned?
Yash: Indian cinema has evolved so much in recent years, especially with the rise of pan-India narratives and dubbing. Toxic embodies this new phase of Indian cinema. It’s deeply rooted in Indian sensibilities, yet it has a universal appeal. The film caters to a global audience while still offering a uniquely Indian experience, which is one of the main reasons I’m excited for its global reach.
What was the biggest challenge for you while working on Toxic?
Yash: The biggest challenge was portraying a character that isn’t just black and white but has many shades of grey. It was important to show the complexity of the character and explore his psychological depth, which required a lot of understanding and preparation. Geetu’s direction really helped me bring out this nuanced performance, and I think the audience will connect with the character on a much deeper level.
How has the international reception of Indian cinema been changing, especially with films like Toxic and Ramayana?
Yash: Indian cinema is gaining immense global recognition. Films like Toxic and Ramayana are part of this transformation. Toxic represents the growing interest in stories that are layered and universally appealing, while Ramayana is a grand spectacle that showcases the richness of Indian mythology. With the world becoming more connected, Indian cinema now has a broader audience, and we’re able to showcase the depth of our stories to a global market.
Tell us about your role in Ramayana and how it compares to the character of Toxic.
Yash: In Ramayana, I play Ravana, a powerful and complex character from mythology. It’s a character full of layers, and bringing him to life on screen with such a massive scale is a dream. Comparatively, Toxic is more grounded in human psychology, but both characters share a level of depth. Ravana, like the character in Toxic, is not just a villain; he has his own story, motives, and struggles.
What message do you want the audience to take away from Toxic?
Yash: Toxic is a film that challenges perceptions and explores the complexities of human emotions. The message is that people are not simply good or bad; there are deeper reasons behind their actions, and that’s what makes them human. I hope the audience walks away with a better understanding of how much psychology plays a role in our lives and decisions.
