'Who was Yash before KGF?': Toxic star Yash addresses Allu Aravind’s remark, says 'It is true'

Yash and Allu Aravind. Pics via X

Yash has addressed an old remark by veteran producer Allu Aravind about his career and the impact of KGF, saying he agrees that the 2018 blockbuster changed his visibility but believes cinema is ultimately a collective effort. The actor, who is currently promoting Toxic, revisited the comment during an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat. Allu Aravind had previously questioned how well-known Yash was before KGF and attributed much of the film's success to its scale and production.

Yash on his KGF breakthrough

When asked about Aravind's remark, Yash acknowledged that KGF played a crucial role in introducing him to a much wider audience. "It is true. But I also believe that cinema doesn't just belong to a producer," Yash said.

The actor pointed out that while audiences often associate a film's success primarily with its leading star, an enormous team works behind the scenes to make a project possible. From writers and technicians to character actors and directors, he stressed that every contribution matters.

"So many people work in cinema, but only the actor gets credit," he said, adding that even the best production cannot succeed if the actor fails to carry the role.

Yash's comments come years after Aravind's original statement sparked a reaction among his fans. The producer had questioned who Yash was before KGF and suggested that the film's grand scale was a major reason it attracted audiences.

While Yash's popularity exploded nationally after playing Rocky in the Prashanth Neel-directed franchise, he had already established himself as a leading star in Kannada cinema through films including Mungaru Male 2, Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari and Googly.

Yash on audience never being wrong

Rather than turning the discussion into a clash, Yash also credited audiences for deciding which performers deserve recognition. The actor said he sometimes wonders why actors receive such a large share of the love surrounding a film, but believes their ability to connect emotionally with viewers explains that response.

According to Yash, audiences are capable of recognising the contribution of everyone involved and deciding who deserves appreciation.

Meanwhile, the actor is gearing up for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features Yash alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and Rukmini Vasanth. The much-awaited film is scheduled to hit theatres on August 26, with its trailer already generating discussion around its dark and intense world.