Kichcha Sudeep has explained why he publicly supported Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ despite the film receiving mixed and negative reactions from sections of the audience and critics. Speaking at the ‘Bigg Boss’ Kannada Season 13 press conference, Sudeep said his comments were driven by his position as a fellow Kannadiga and his appreciation for Yash’s decision to attempt something different.The actor also opened up about his own career, his love for cinema and his upcoming collaboration with filmmaker Anup Bhandari, ‘Billa Ranga Baashaa.’
Kichcha Sudeep explains his support for Yash and ‘Toxic’
Sudeep, who is returning as the host of ‘Bigg Boss Kannada’ Season 13, was asked about his earlier social media post in support of Yash and ‘Toxic’. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, has faced criticism for its storytelling and other aspects, even as Yash’s performance and the film’s ambition have been discussed by viewers.Responding to the question at the press conference, Sudeep said his support came from a sense of solidarity with Yash and the Kannada film industry.“That was my stand to my colleague, a fellow Kannadiga, Kannada cinema and the Kannada effort behind the film,” Sudeep said, according to Moneycontrol.
Sudeep praised Yash for taking a risk with ‘Toxic’
Following the release of ‘Toxic’, Sudeep had taken to X to acknowledge Yash’s decision to move away from the formula associated with his previous blockbuster franchise, KGF.“Just want to say this, Yash, you’ve genuinely tried something out of the box rather than taking the predictable route of making another regular, expected, formulaic follow-up to your previous commercial blockbuster,” he wrote.Sudeep further praised Yash for having the conviction to attempt a different kind of film.“It takes a different mindset, conviction, and most importantly, the guts to attempt something like this,” he added.Calling ‘Toxic’ an “unusual and commendable attempt”, Sudeep also said that several portions of the film were intriguing enough to encourage debate and discussion.His comments came despite the film facing a largely mixed response, with some viewers questioning its narrative and screenplay while others appreciated its visual treatment, ambition and Yash’s performance.
Kichcha Sudeep says not having a film release hurts him
Sudeep also addressed his own career at the ‘Bigg Boss’ Kannada Season 13 press conference. The actor has not had a film release this year, something he said affects him deeply because of his strong connection with cinema.“Nobody bleeds more than me when I don’t have a film release,” Sudeep said.Recalling his schedule while hosting the previous season of ‘Bigg Boss’ Kannada, Sudeep said he was simultaneously shooting for Mark in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and travelling to Bengaluru for the reality show.He recalled working for around 120 days across 22 sets and locations.“For five and a half months, I was sleepless. I gave a film. There is nothing bigger than the love I have for cinema,” he said.Sudeep also emphasised that his absence from films should not be interpreted as him stepping away from the industry.“Me not doing a film doesn’t mean I am going on a trip or partying. Cinema is my life. I love being in front of the camera,” he added.
Sudeep reunites with Anup Bhandari for ‘Billa Ranga Baashaa’
On the work front, Sudeep is currently working on ‘Billa Ranga Baashaa’, marking his reunion with filmmaker Anup Bhandari. The actor and director previously collaborated on Vikrant Rona. The upcoming film is being mounted as a large-scale futuristic action drama set in a dystopian world in 2209 AD. ‘Billa Ranga Baashaa’ is currently in production and is scheduled for release in 2027. Meanwhile, Sudeep’s return as the host of ‘Bigg Boss Kannada’ Season 13 marks another major television commitment for the actor.