Ajaneesh Loknath supports the film ‘Toxic’ and criticizes negative reviews, urging audiences to watch it for themselves.
The critically mixed reception of the film ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,’ directed by Geetu Mohandas and featuring Yash, has prompted music composer Ajaneesh Loknath to come to its defence. Released on August 26, 2023, the film has faced significant backlash from both audiences and critics since its debut.
Ajaneesh Loknath, renowned for his compositions in ‘Kantara’ and other notable films, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his perspective. He highlighted the subjectivity of film reviews, arguing that even a classic like Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’ would likely be labelled ‘boring’ by today’s audiences if it were released now.
In his detailed commentary, Loknath encouraged potential viewers to experience ‘Toxic’ without being swayed by critical opinions. “Don’t just read reviews. Experience cinema. I watched ‘Toxic’ and I liked it,” he expressed, emphasising that personal taste in film can vary greatly from one individual to another. He further remarked on the impact of a film’s success on all contributors involved, not just the lead actors and producers. “Be responsible before you judge. When a film doesn’t do well, it is not only the producer or the actors who suffer. Hundreds of technicians and crew members… are also affected for many years,” he stated.
Ajaneesh has also mentioned that there are minor aspects of the film that did not resonate with him, but he maintained that they are easily overlooked. Overall, he regards ‘Toxic’ as a commendable work, appreciating Yash’s performance and the effort put into the project.
Reflecting on the criticism ‘Toxic’ has received, he drew a comparison to older films, expressing concern that audiences might dismiss substantial narratives based on expedited opinions. He noted that a 25-year-old critical classic, likely implying ‘Lagaan,’ might similarly be misjudged if released today based solely on its synopsis and trailer.
As he concluded his commentary, Loknath reiterated the importance of personal experience in film-watching. “Reviews are opinions, not your experience. If a film interests you, go to the theatre, watch it yourself and then form your own opinion,” he stated.
‘Toxic’ has become significant in the conversation surrounding modern cinema, drawing attention not just for its narrative but also for the discussions it has incited about audience perception and film critique. Alongside Yash, the film features a cast that includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. Despite mixed reviews, ‘Toxic’ has reportedly garnered substantial box office figures, signalling a noteworthy interest among viewers.
Ajaneesh Loknath expressed his hope that audiences would take the time to discover the film for themselves, appreciating it for its unique storytelling and artistic efforts.
