Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is not your typical commercial entertainer. The gangster drama unfolds through a distinctive narrative style, combining action, romance, family dynamics, and layered character arcs to create a world that demands your attention.

From its powerhouse performances to its ambitious visual scale, here are five reasons why Toxic deserves to be experienced on the big screen.

1. A gutsy film that dares to tell its story differently Toxic doesn’t take the familiar route. It is bold in its storytelling and builds its narrative in a way that gradually reveals the many layers of its world and characters. The film moves beyond the conventional gangster drama, bringing together action, emotion, love, and family against a larger-than-life backdrop.

2. It’s a film you may want to watch twice There is plenty happening beneath the surface in Toxic. The storytelling is layered and deliberately complex, with details, character motivations and narrative threads that may reveal themselves differently on a second viewing. It is the kind of film that invites you to revisit its world and piece together the larger picture.

3. A performance-heavy film led by Yash and an impressive ensemble At its centre is Yash, and Toxic is very much a showcase of the actor. But the film also gives its ensemble plenty to work with. Nayanthara brings a fearless intensity to her part, Kiara Advani leaves a striking impression, and Huma Qureshi delivers a performance that is haunting and powerful. Meanwhile, Rukmini Vasanth emerges as one of the film’s biggest surprises.

4. A different and softer side of Yash While Toxic is packed with intensity and action, its romantic moments bring a different dimension to the film. Yash’s scenes with Kiara reveal a softer and more vulnerable side of his character, adding emotional depth to the larger narrative. The romance is handled with restraint, allowing the chemistry and emotion between the characters to speak for themselves.

5. International-scale action and striking cinematography The action in Toxic is mounted on an ambitious scale, complemented by cinematography that gives the film a distinct visual identity. From its expansive world-building to its action set pieces, the film aims for a cinematic experience that feels grand, immersive, and unlike the usual.

Also Read: Toxic – A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups BTS: JJ Perry reveals how Yash pulled off the vicious fight action sequence

Akshay Oberoi’s big-budget film, Toxic, finally released in cinemas on August 26. At the film’s trailer launch, held in Bengaluru on August 8, the actor was seen sporting long hair. However, of late, he has gone back to a short haircut. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Akshay revealed the reason behind the change in look and spoke about his upcoming projects and a lot more.

Akshay Oberoi said, “I had signed up for a lovely period film. It’s set in a village during the pre-Partition era. I really loved the script. The character required me to have hair like that; he belongs to a tribe whose members have had long hair for generations. I loved the script so much that I immediately started growing my hair. I was clear that I didn’t want to wear a wig. But for some reason, the film’s funding fell through. It was heartbreaking for all of us. But maybe it’ll happen one day. Meanwhile, season 4 of Aashram is coming. Hence, I cut my hair and I’m off to shoot for it.”

When does the much-watched web series’ fourth season go on floors? Akshay replied, “I believe Aashram went on floors just a few days back and I am joining very soon, early next week.”

After Toxic, Akshay Oberoi is now looking forward to another biggie, King, co-starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan. It releases on December 24. Interestingly, King would be his third Christmas release, the other two being his debut film Isi Life Mein (2010) and Kisko Tha Pata (2024).

When pointed out, Akshay was pleasantly surprised. He said, “Oh yes. My debut film came on Christmas. I had forgotten that Kisko Tha Pata also released on December 24. And now King is also coming on the same day!”

Aamir Khan has had the most Christmas releases, and Akshay Oberoi seems to be following in his footsteps. The actor laughed out loud and remarked, “Oh, I love it. This is too good! What a comparison, man. I’ll take it!”

He then stated, “Thanks for pointing it out. It’s so interesting. I would have definitely not made that connection because these are two different times in my career, as in when I did the first film vis-à-vis where I am right now. It’s funny and interesting to see the whole journey full circle like that. Moreover, King is a film with Siddharth Anand. It’s my second film with him (after Fighter; 2024) and my third project with him (the web series Flesh was written by Siddharth Anand). He’s the one who put me on a map for the mainstream audience. In life, so many coincidences take place that you have to believe in a higher power and accept that we are not in control.”

When asked about King, Akshay Oberoi said, “All I can say is that Siddharth Anand and Mamta Anand are like family to me. I got to reunite with my family, that too on their biggest film. Until my last breath, I’ll repay in whatever way possible for what they have given me. I love them as human beings. I have done a small part, in whatever way I could, to be a part of this humongous, highly anticipated film that my brother and mentor, Lord Siddharth Anand, has made. And he’s indeed a Lord!”

He added, “I badly wanted to be in this film because I wanted to be a part of this big thing that someone I love was making.”

In between Toxic and King, Akshay Oberoi’s film, Love Lottery, will release in cinemas on September 18. The teaser features his emotional voiceover and leaves an impact.

Akshay Oberoi revealed, “It’s a part of a monologue which goes on for 6 ½ minutes. It’s a small film; there was not much of a budget. So, I had to nail that monologue fast. You saw a glimpse of that in the teaser; you’ll hear more of it in the trailer, which comes out soon.”

Love Lottery seems to be very topical and relevant. Akshay agreed, “Indeed. When I read the script, I told myself, ‘I don’t know what the fate of the film would be. However, I want to be a part of it because it deals with a burning topic’. I am all for women empowerment. Men have done a lot of s**t. But now we are in a place where men also need a voice. There should be someone who speaks about men’s rights. I guess that’s why these masculine films are also doing well. Hence, this is an attempt to do something different. The character that I play is a very vulnerable hero. As the tagline says in the poster, he’s a man framed by love. The caption is so apt.”

Also Read: Akshay Oberoi credits Geetu Mohandas’ 13-year-old daughter for his Toxic casting: “Geetu saw Fighter at daughter’s insistence, liked my performance…”; reveals he was asked to perform The Godfather dialogue for audition

Komal Nahta had a conversation with Adnan Sami, during which the latter spoke strongly against the growing trend of remixed songs. Adnan Sami began by saying, “It is always lovely to revive an old song. In my opinion, the ratio should be 80-20, with 20 being the remixed songs. That’s how it was before. But now, it’s 20-80 (laughs)!”

Adnan then stated, “One word that would define this is khauff. The corporates are scared to experiment. It is happening even in cinemas. Remakes are attempted, sequels are made; even prequels are planned! Off-shoots bhi chal rahe hain. First, they made Batman. When they exhausted that character, they decided ‘Joker banate hai’! You see, these are all very safe subjects. The Odyssey recently released; pehli dafa toh yeh nahin ban rahi hai na?”

He added, “Even in our cinema, franchises are made as they are safe. Earlier, such things were very rare. Star Wars and The Godfather had sequels. But this was not a regular thing. The same is happening in music. They come across a super-hit song from the 70s, 80s or 90s. They know it’s a sure-shot success. So, they decide ‘Mukhda wohi rakh dena, antara change kar dena’!”

Adnan Sami continued, “When you ask record labels that ‘aap yeh (remix) kyun kar rahe hain’, they reply, ‘Because public chahti hai’ (smiles). However, the thing is that if a man is hungry and you present him with sookhe chawal, toh woh uspe toot padega. And if you ask someone ‘why you are feeding him sookhe chawal’, he’d reply ‘Yehi toh woh chahta hai. Dekho kitne maze se woh kha raha hai’! But he’s savouring it as you didn’t serve him khichdi or biryani.”

Adnan Sami opined, “What saddens me is that every generation call certain songs their own. My father used to say ‘Dheere Se Aaja Ri Ankhiyan Mein’ mere waqt ka gaana hai. I would feel the same for ‘Chura Liya Hai’. The ones who grew up in the 90s would feel a sense of belonging for the songs of say, Aashiqui (1990). But which song would this generation consider their own? After all, you have mostly presented recreated versions to them.”

He also said, “We often blame music composers for remixes. But the reality is that those poor music directors are asked to come up with recreated versions. Kya woh dil se bana rahe hain? I can give you in writing that no music director ever dreamed as a child that he would grow up and work on remixes. So, don’t blame them; blame those who zabardasti make them do it."

Also Read: “Felt very bad making fun of Subodh,” says Saif Ali Khan at Dil Chahta Hai Reunion; Sonali Kulkarni recalls the actor’s obsession with punctuality even on set

The Dil Chahta Hai Reunion happened on August 28 at a suburban hotel in Mumbai. It was organized by Amazon Music and We Are Yuva. The event saw almost the entire team of the film – Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Dimpla Kapadia, Sonali Kulkarni, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa – get nostalgic on its 25 iconic years.

One of the funniest aspects about Dil Chahta Hai was the character Subodh and his obsession with time tables and punctuality. However, in recent times on social media, fans have started expressing their admiration for Subodh with some also referring to him as a ‘Green Flag’. The character was the boyfriend of Sonali Kulkarni’s Pooja. Interestingly, Subodh was played by Farhan Akhtar’s friend Asad Dadarkar, who is like the same person in real life.

When Subodh’s topic was introduced during the conversation at the reunion, Sonali Kularni said, “I think Subodh added a fantastic flavour to the whole relationship. Having said that, Subodh, is Farhan’s dear friend. He didn’t actually act. I remember he was like that (in real life too). He came on the set and he said, ‘It’s 9 O’clock, I will start shooting’.” The last sentence sent a wave of laughter among the crowd.

To this, Farhan joked saying, “Actually, we had invited him to come for this event. He was here at 6 (pm) but then he left as it didn’t start (on time).”

Dil Chahta Hai eventually saw Saif Ali Khan’s character Sameer falling for Pooja and the two becoming a couple. The host asked Saif what he thought of Subodh. The actor said, “Oh, he is a great guy,” much to the laughter of the crowd. He added, “I felt very bad making fun of him. But that’s the job.”

Directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced under the banner of Excel Entertainment, Dil Chahta Hai also featured Preity Zinta and Akshaye Khanna. The two actors couldn’t attend the reunion.

Also Read: Aamir Khan slept 8 hours at Farhan Akhtar’s place after hearing 1st half of Dil Chahta Hai; filmmaker recalls, “He said, ‘I just need 15-minute power nap’”

Aamir Khan is reportedly set to join hands with Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff for the much-awaited Race Reboot. The upcoming project is said to be a fresh take on the popular action thriller franchise, which originally featured Saif Ali Khan in the first two instalments before Salman Khan took the lead in the third film.

The Race franchise has developed a cult following over the years, with the first two films starring Saif Ali Khan becoming popular for their high-octane action, twists and turns, and ensemble cast. Race 3, which arrived later with Salman Khan in the lead, took the series in a different direction.

Now, the reboot is reportedly being planned with an entirely new star cast. While Sidharth Malhotra’s name has been associated with the project for some time, Tiger Shroff has also recently been linked to the film. According to current reports, Aamir Khan is the latest major name to be added to the much-anticipated project. A source was quoted telling Pinkvilla, “Aamir has liked the script and is very involved in the writing process. He is working closely with the writers to develop the material further. He feels that the reboot can bring a completely new flavour to the Race franchise”

The source further revealed that the upcoming film is being envisioned as a thriller unlike anything previously attempted in India, with the makers looking to introduce a fresh perspective to the franchise. “It’s a thriller unlike anything done before in India. The idea is to take the franchise into a new space and create something that feels fresh for the audience. A strong ensemble will come on board the film, and the casting will be announced at the right time,” the source added.

Aamir Khan is reportedly taking an active interest in the development of the project and is said to be ensuring that the script reaches the desired level before making a final commitment. In a concluding statement, the source reportedly stated, “Aamir is very excited to embark on this journey of Race. He is taking his time to make sure the script reaches the level he wants before he commits fully. The idea is to make Race Reboot a big-screen thriller with a strong ensemble and a completely fresh flavour.”

Race Reboot is said to be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has previously collaborated with Aamir Khan on two action thrillers — Dhoom 3 and Thugs of Hindostan. If Aamir comes on board, the project will mark their third collaboration in the action-thriller space.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films has reportedly already begun pre-production on the film. With Sidharth Malhotra, Tiger Shroff and potentially Aamir Khan forming part of the ensemble, Race Reboot is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated projects in the action thriller space.

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani clarifies Akshaye Khanna won’t return for Race 4: “The work on the script is on”

Akshay Oberoi impressed the audience with his short but impactful performance in Yash-starrer Toxic. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the talented and dashing actor spoke about his experience of working on the film a lot more.

Toxic is your biggest film to date. What are your thoughts now that it has finally released in cinemas? You said it yourself. It’s the biggest film I have done. It has opened me up to an audience that didn’t know me. There’s a chunk of cinemagoing audience in the South that are probably discovering my work for the first time. Across the country, the film probably must be playing in around 12,000-13,000 screens. Also, the box office number on the day of release has been astronomical. Some films do such numbers in their lifetime and they are called successful. Hence, it’s been very cool to be a part of that experience. It was also lovely to be on the promotional tour. I am grateful to Boss (Yash) and Geetu Mohandas that they even invited me to come, celebrate and promote the film across the country. It was super-fun (smiles).

Before Toxic, Geetu Mohandas had made small-budget films like Liar's Dice (2013) and Moothon (2019). Did you ever imagine that Toxic was going to be a big-scale production when it was offered to you? Well, we are all plugged into the business. Hence, I knew that Geetu Mohandas was doing a film with Boss. Once I found out that the film being offered to me is directed by her, I knew what the film was. Udti-udti khabarein suni thi maine ki aisi koi film ban rahi hai. As a result, I knew the scale of the film a day before she was going to call to offer me the film. In my mind, it was already a yes. It was not like main baat karunga aur fir main sochunga. I was sure I’ll give my nod for the project.

At the Toxic trailer launch in Bengaluru, you revealed that you were told to mouth a dialogue from The Godfather (1972) as part of your audition… Yes. She saw my film Fighter (2024), after which she got in touch with me. It's all thanks to her 13-year-old daughter, by the way! Geetu’s meeting had got cancelled and she was free. Her daughter insisted that she wanted to see Fighter. She agreed. She saw me in Fighter, liked my performance and sourced my number.

She told casting director Yash Nagarkoti that ‘I know how he acts in Hindi, but I want to see how he acts in English’. Hence, I was asked to send an audio of me speaking an English dialogue. I agreed and asked Yash Nagarkoti which scene I should perform. He told me to mouth a dialogue of Moe Greene’s character from The Godfather.

However, instead of simply sending an audio clip, I wore a suit, did my hair, performed the entire scene on camera and sent it to her. She told me she hadn’t expected that. I replied, ‘I was getting a chance to act in front of you. I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity. Audio bhej ke kya karta main? If I had a chance to make you watch me act, I thought I should put it on tape and do it in the best way possible.’

That’s how I bagged the part. It’s the film where I probably learned the most, including about the business of cinema. There were so many big stars and hence, it was a complete learning graph.

Was your death scene the most difficult one? Yes. Having said that, I don’t ever view acting like a difficult thing. It’s a joy. Getting a scene like that was so much fun. Of course, I am crying and screaming in that sequence. But I never find acting a burden and I am not like, ‘Oh, I have to do such a scene aur isliye main 4 ghante soch raha hoon’. I go with the flow and be in the moment. I work a lot on the character, like who the guy is, what he is after, where he has come from etc. I also make sure that I know my lines very, very well. Then, you surrender to the moment. You have fun.

Similarly, after completing that day’s shoot, I didn’t go home thinking, ‘Oh, what a difficult day. Thank God, it’s over.’ Instead, I was sad because the best scene I had in the film, the one where I got to do the most acting, was over!

Were you shocked reading the twist in the climax of Toxic when the film was offered to you? No, as we were only narrated until where we were in the film. Nobody knew the rest of the script! As time went on and because I got close to Geetu and Boss, I was able to roughly figure things out.

You addressed Yash as ‘Boss’. Since when are you doing that and how did it start? It’s a title given to him by his ardent fans who know him since the beginning of his career. Later on, he got the tag of ‘Rocking Star Yash’. However, the ‘Boss’ title predates the ‘Rocking Star Yash’ tag. And the title is apt because he is a boss. Everyone on the set and the people working for his production house, Monster Mind Creations, also call him Boss as he’s such a leader. Toh woh dil se cheez nikalti hai. I just can’t call him ‘Yash sir’, it has to be ‘Boss’.

Seeing him exposed me to so many things about my own career. I realized I am running behind big producers and directors. I guess doing so is important as well. But this man has believed in himself and invested in himself. Of course, he’s an actor par excellence, but he has learned every department of filmmaking – from lighting and editing to screenplay, distribution, production design and practically every other aspect of the craft. He’s curating his own content and carving his own path. He’s not waiting for anybody. The problem of an actor is that we wait for that one phone call that would change our lives.

Hence, when I saw him, I realized that there’s a whole different way of achieving your dream. This is the reason people like Yash are called path-breakers. When I saw that, it made me realize that mere andar yeh cheez nahin thi. But now I have imbibed the quality from him and you’ll see me implementing it big time in the next few years. I don’t know exactly when, but I know how. For that reason, I have to call him ‘Boss’. I have given him that place in my mind and heart as he’s that for me.

Also Read: Akshay Oberoi says he feels “fortunate” to join Geetu Mohandas’ female-led cast in Toxic

Ajay Devgn is set to return as one of his most memorable characters, Vijay Salgaonkar, with the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. The third instalment of the Hindi crime thriller franchise is scheduled to release theatrically on October 2, 2026, promising to take forward the gripping story of Vijay and his family.

The makers recently dropped a poster confirming the release date with a powerful statement that captures Vijay’s central motivation: “Sahi ya galat, jo bhi ho... main apni family ke liye kisi bhi hadh tak ja sakta hoon (Whether it is right or wrong, whatever it is…. I can go to any extent for my family).” The announcement once again puts the spotlight on Vijay Salgaonkar, a man willing to cross every line to protect his loved ones.

Presented by Star Studio18, Drishyam The Conclusion is a Panorama Studios production directed by Abhishek Pathak. The screenplay and writing credits include Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak.

The Drishyam franchise has established a strong following among audiences with its combination of crime, suspense, family drama and psychological tension. The Hindi films, starring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, are adaptations of the Malayalam franchise led by Mohanlal. Over the years, the Hindi series has developed a cult following, particularly for its layered storytelling and Vijay’s elaborate attempts to protect his family.

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Set against the backdrop of Goa, Drishyam The Conclusion will once again revolve around Vijay Salgaonkar but this time it will be focusing more on the emotional aftermath of the events surrounding a murder. Having spent years attempting to stay ahead of the police and protect his family, Vijay now faces another chapter in a story that has continued to haunt him.

With Ajay Devgn reprising the role, the third chapter is expected to further explore Vijay’s battle between protecting his family and confronting the emotional consequences of his actions. The title Drishyam The Conclusion also signals that the upcoming film could bring the long-running story of the Salgaonkar family to its decisive chapter.

Drishyam The Conclusion is slated to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion director Abhishek Pathak says story continues from where Drishyam 2 ended