Big update on Yash’s Toxic! The film has reportedly received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC, confirming that it will be strictly for adult audiences. But the bigger talking point is its reported runtime of a massive 3 hours, 14 minutes and 12 seconds.
The ‘A’ certificate is hardly surprising considering the film’s intense action, gangster backdrop and adult-oriented sexual content. But the combination of an adults-only certificate and a 3-hour-plus runtime makes Toxic a particularly interesting theatrical gamble.
Interestingly, audiences have recently shown a growing fascination with lengthy films. Animal, Pushpa 2 and the Dhurandhar films have shown that viewers are willing to sit through three-hour-plus movies when the world-building and storytelling justify the runtime. Long films also give filmmakers more room to establish their characters, build their worlds and create larger emotional payoffs.
But there is a catch.
A 3-hour-14-minute runtime can become a massive USP if the film keeps audiences invested. If the pacing slips, however, the same runtime can quickly turn into a punishment. With Toxic already receiving mixed reactions to its trailer, the execution becomes even more important.
The film has massive expectations riding on it. Yash is returning after the nationwide success of KGF 2, while Toxic is being mounted on a huge scale. The makers clearly seem confident enough to present the film in such a lengthy cut.
Now comes the real test.
Can Geetu Mohandas make audiences forget the clock for more than three hours, or will viewers start checking their watches before the climax?
Toxic is scheduled to hit theatres on August 26, 2026.
