Yash’s much-anticipated action drama Toxic is making serious noise at the box office, with early estimates suggesting the film is closing in on the ₹100 crore mark in its very first day. Despite a wave of backlash on social media, the movie appears to be pulling in massive footfalls across the country, sparking immediate comparisons to the record-shattering opening of Pushpa 2: The Rule.

According to early trade reports, the film - known for its connection to the K.G.F: Chapter 1 star - is on track to challenge existing day-one records. However, industry insiders remain cautious about whether it has truly surpassed Allu Arjun’s blockbuster, as final numbers are still being tallied. The buzz suggests that while Toxic is performing exceptionally well, crossing Pushpa 2’s historic debut would require a near-perfect evening and late-night show turnout.

The Backlash Factor

What makes this box-office surge particularly interesting is the backdrop of criticism that has accompanied the film’s release. From alleged pacing issues to debates over character development, a vocal section of audiences and critics have taken to social media to express disappointment. Yet, the negativity does not appear to have dampened the enthusiasm of Yash’s loyal fanbase, who have turned out in droves, especially in Karnataka and other southern markets.

Trade analysts point out that fan-driven openings are rarely affected by online chatter, and Toxic seems to be following that pattern. The film’s advance bookings were robust well before the backlash gained traction, and early reports indicate that multiplexes in major cities are running at high occupancy. Single-screen theaters in smaller towns are also reporting strong numbers, a sign that the film’s appeal extends beyond urban centers.

The Pushpa 2 Comparison

The question on everyone’s mind is whether Toxic can outpace Pushpa 2, which set a new benchmark for Indian cinema with its colossal opening. While early estimates place Toxic in the vicinity of ₹90-95 crore, crossing the ₹100 crore threshold would be a monumental achievement. However, reaching Pushpa 2’s exact first-day figure would require a significant spike in late-night screenings, which experts say is unlikely given the current momentum.

That said, the comparison itself is a testament to Yash’s star power. Known primarily for his iconic role in the K.G.F franchise, the actor has built a dedicated following that rivals some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. The fact that Toxic is even being mentioned in the same breath as Pushpa 2 speaks volumes about his box-office draw.

Trade Reactions and Audience Response

Early audience reactions are mixed, with some praising the film’s visual spectacle and Yash’s commanding screen presence, while others criticize the narrative for being overly ambitious. The word-of-mouth, however, appears to be skewing positive among the core fan base, which could sustain the film’s performance over the weekend. Trade experts believe that if the film holds steady on Saturday and Sunday, it could post a phenomenal opening weekend total, even if the day-one record remains elusive.

The backlash, interestingly, has also generated curiosity. Several undecided viewers have taken to social media to say they are now more inclined to watch the film to form their own opinion, a phenomenon that often works in favor of big-ticket releases. This "hate-watch" effect, combined with the star’s massive appeal, may well help Toxic maintain its momentum in the coming days.

What the Final Numbers Mean

If Toxic closes its first day at around ₹95-100 crore, it would rank among the top openings in Indian cinema history. The film would comfortably beat most recent releases and cement Yash’s position as a pan-India draw. However, surpassing Pushpa 2 would require numbers that even the most optimistic trade analysts are hesitant to predict. For now, the focus is on whether the film can cross the psychological ₹100 crore barrier, which would be a historic feat in itself.

The coming days will reveal whether the backlash translates into a dip in collections or if the film’s momentum proves resilient. Early signs point to the latter, with advance bookings for the weekend reportedly strong. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Toxic is a commercial force to be reckoned with, and its performance is already making headlines for all the right reasons.

Stay tuned to Hindi Movie Buzz for the final day-one figures and a detailed box-office breakdown as the numbers come in.

Source: Filmibeat