'You have your own mind, don’t you?’: ‘Toxic’ actor Benedict Garrett defends Yash starrer amid criticism, urges audiences should 'not judge by negative reviews and decide for themselves'

Geetu Mohandas’ Kannada directorial ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’, headlined by Yash, has faced criticism from sections of the audience and film critics since its theatrical release on August 26. Amid the mixed response, actor Benedict Garrett, who plays a significant role in the film, has come out in strong support of the project.Urging audiences to watch the film and form their own opinions, Garrett asked viewers not to judge ‘Toxic’ solely on the basis of negative reviews.

‘Toxic’ actor Benedict Garrett urges audiences to decide for themselves

Taking to social media, Benedict Garrett shared stills from his scenes in ‘Toxic’ and penned a note defending the film. He wrote, “Sometimes malfunctions happen, Raya. Don't make the mistake of judging a film by the negative reviews of others (be they genuine or paid). You have your own mind, don't you? Use it. Remember – #TOXIC is a FAIRY TALE for GROWN-UPS. Still showing in cinemas. #toxicthemovie #yash #sandalwood #actor.”Garrett’s post came amid continued discussions surrounding the film’s reception. While some viewers have criticised its narrative and treatment, the actor encouraged audiences to experience the film themselves rather than rely entirely on reviews.

What Benedict Garrett said about ‘Toxic’ after watching the film

Earlier, around the time of the film’s release, Garrett had also shared his personal reaction to ‘Toxic’. The actor admitted that he had not expected to be so affected by the film, particularly because he does not consider himself a major fan of action cinema.He wrote, “I honestly didn't expect to love Toxic. I'm in the film, but I went into the cinema knowing very little about the story—and as someone who isn't particularly a fan of action films, I was genuinely surprised by how deeply it affected me.”Garrett went on to argue that the film should not be viewed only through its violence, gore, sexual content or large-scale spectacle. According to him, ‘Toxic’ functions as “a fairy tale for grown-ups” and explores the darker aspects of the world people inherit.He described the film as “a dark, chaotic, disturbing reflection of the toxic world we inherit and the choices that trauma, conditioning, power, religion, colonialism and society can make us capable of.”

Benedict Garrett says ‘Toxic’ may not be for everyone

Acknowledging that the film may not appeal to every viewer, Garrett praised Geetu Mohandas for making a bold and unconventional project. He said the director had not attempted to create a film that simply delivered what audiences already expected.He added, “And perhaps that's exactly why I admire Geetu Mohandas for making it. She didn't make a film designed to give everyone what they already know they want. She made something challenging, unconventional and open to interpretation.”Garrett also praised Yash’s performance, calling it “absolutely astounding”. He further clarified that his comments were not merely an attempt to promote his own work in the film.“I’m proud to have played even a small part in this film, but this isn't me promoting my own work. This is me, as a viewer, saying: ‘Toxic’ blew me away,” he wrote.

More about ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ stars Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Benedict Garrett. The film was released in theatres on August 26, 2026, and continues to remain a topic of discussion because of its unconventional treatment and divided audience response.