If you’ve been on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram today, you know the “peace” in Indian cinema has officially ended.
At 9:35 AM this morning, the long-awaited teaser for Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups dropped, and within minutes, the internet was a battlefield. While Yash fans are celebrating the “Rocking Star’s” return after KGF 2, a massive backlash has erupted from the Ranveer Singh camp.
The accusation? Fans of the upcoming Bollywood spy-thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge claim that the Toxic teaser’s aesthetic—the dark, brooding palette, the retro-gangster vibe, and even the font choices—is a direct copy of the “Dhurandhar Style.”
Here is why February 20, 2026, will be remembered as the day the “Dhuraxic” war truly began.
The “Pan-India” Rivalry Hits a Breaking Point
The tension isn’t just about a teaser; it’s about a massive collision course. Both Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 are scheduled to release on the same day: March 19, 2026.
1. The Aesthetic Argument
Dhurandhar fans are pointing to the “dark, gritty underworld” visual language that director Aditya Dhar established in the first film. They argue that Toxic’s director, Geetu Mohandas, has leaned too heavily into the “Hollywood-meets-Hyper-Realism” style that Ranveer’s spy saga perfected.
2. The “Courtesy Call” Controversy
Rumors are swirling that Yash is reportedly “irked” with the makers of Dhurandhar. Reports suggest that Toxic had claimed the March 19 date nearly three years ago, and the Bollywood camp moving into that slot without a “courtesy call” has been seen as a sign of the growing friction between the South and North film industries.
3. Realistic vs. Stylized Violence
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma even weighed in today, calling the clash a battle between “Ultra-Realistic Cinema” (Dhurandhar) and “Ultra-Unrealistic Cinema” (Toxic).
-
Dhurandhar is being praised for its grounded, intelligence-based action.
-
Toxic is being hailed (and criticized) for its “bulletproof masculinity” and over-the-top, stylistic gore.
Comparison: The Teaser Stats (As of 4:00 PM Today)
| Feature | Toxic (Yash) | Dhurandhar 2 (Ranveer Singh) |
| Teaser Vibe | Dark, Retro, Gritty Fantasy | Grounded, Spy-Thriller, High-Stakes |
| Viral Moment | Yash’s “Clean Shave” reveal | Ranveer’s “Hamza” backstory |
| Fan Catchphrase | “The World is my Territory” | “The Price of Peace” |
| X (Twitter) Sentiment | Divided (Hype vs. “Cringe”) | Highly Positive (Expectation of Substance) |
Conclusion: The “Barbenheimer” of Indian Cinema?
Whether you call it a “copy” or “inspiration,” one thing is certain: March 19, 2026, is going to be absolute carnage at the box office. Some fans have even dubbed the clash “Dhuroxic,” likening it to the Barbenheimer phenomenon.
The “Teaser War” is just the beginning. As the release date approaches, the battle for screens in the Hindi belt and the South will only get more intense.
Is it an inspiration or a copy? Don’t take the internet’s word for it. Watch the trending Toxic teaser and the Dhurandhar highlights side-by-side in our VOD library and decide for yourself.