'Fellow Kannadiga' Kichcha Sudeep defends standing by Yash amid Toxic reviews

Actor Kichcha Sudeep is set to return as the host of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 13, but it was his recent support for Yash and Toxic that became one of the talking points at the show's press conference. During the event on Sunday, August 30, Sudeep was asked about his social media post supporting Yash and his latest film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups.The actor gave a short but firm response, making it clear that his comments came from his position as a fellow Kannadiga and someone who continues to stand by Kannada cinema. “That was my stand to my colleague, a fellow Kannadiga, Kannada cinema and the Kannada effort behind the film,” Sudeep said.His response came amid discussions surrounding Toxic, which stars Yash and is directed by Geetu Mohandas. Sudeep's post had drawn attention on social media, with many interpreting it as his public backing for Yash and the film amid the mixed response to the gangster drama.Sharing his thoughts on X in a recent post, Sudeep wrote, “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 (sic).” Kichcha Sudeep's X post He added, “It takes a different mindset, conviction, and most importantly, the guts to attempt something like this. Toxic is an unusual and commendable attempt. There are several portions that are genuinely intriguing and open to great debate, discussion, and learning (sic).”Sudeep praised Yash for attempting something different instead of following up KGF with another conventional commercial film. At the press conference, he reiterated that his post was his personal stand in support of his colleague and the Kannada effort behind Toxic.Sudeep says film absence doesn't mean lack of interest Sudeep's return to Bigg Boss Kannada this year has also revived conversations around his film career. The actor is hosting the reality show's 13th season despite not having a film release this year, something that has once again led to speculation about the pace of his film projects.Sudeep, however, said his absence from theatres should not be mistaken for a lack of commitment to cinema. “Nobody bleeds more than me when I don’t have a film release,” he said. The actor pointed to his work on Mark as an example of the effort that goes into making a film while simultaneously fulfilling his television commitments. Last year, while shooting for Mark, Sudeep travelled from Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram to Bengaluru host Bigg Boss Kannada.He recalled shooting for 120 days across 22 sets and various locations. The schedule, he said, left him working almost continuously. “For five and a half months, I was sleepless. I gave a film. There is nothing bigger than the love I have for cinema,” Sudeep said.He added that there can be several reasons why a film does not materialise or gets delayed, including scripts, personal circumstances and other factors. According to Sudeep, not doing a film does not mean that he is away enjoying himself. “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 said.Sudeep busy with Billa Ranga BaashaaSudeep is currently busy shooting for Billa Ranga Baashaa, his ambitious collaboration with director Anup Bhandari. The film reunites the actor and filmmaker after their previous collaboration, Vikrant Rona. The makers recently announced that they are eyeing a release in the last quarter of 2027.Backed by Primeshow Entertainment, Billa Ranga Baashaa is being mounted as a large-scale futuristic action drama. The film is set in a dystopian world in the year 2209 AD and has been described as one of the more ambitious projects in Sudeep's upcoming lineup. Sudeep's latest comments also shed light on how he is managing the film's demanding schedule alongside Bigg Boss Kannada. This year, the actor said, the Billa Ranga Baashaa set is located just 15 minutes from the Bigg Boss house, allowing him to balance both commitments more easily.Bigg Boss Kannada Season 13 will premiere on September 6 on Colors Kannada and JioHotstar.- EndsPublished By: Sanjay Ponnappa CSPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 14:25 ISTMUST WATCH: