First reactions for the movie Toxic starring Yash display mixed responses from critics and audiences. Multiple reviewers called the movie a heartless, incomprehensible action epic and pure sensory overload. Some viewers called the movie a total nightmare and torture. Additional critics noted Yash delivers a powerful presence despite director Geetu Mohandas getting lost in its execution.
India's film certification board reduced intimate scenes by thirty percent in seven places in the original Kannada version. The board also censored lines in the Kannada release. The film shows similarities to KGF, but falls short of a Hollywood gangster film.