In a bombshell revelation that’s sent ripples through Sandalwood and beyond, actor Gulshan Devaiah has publicly confirmed he exited Yash’s much-hyped project Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups—and he’s not holding back on the reasons why. In a recent interview, Devaiah didn’t mince words: he claims he wasn’t paid for his work, and his manager was treated disrespectfully on set .
This high-profile departure is more than just gossip—it’s a stark look into the often-opaque power dynamics, contractual ambiguities, and communication breakdowns that can plague even the biggest film productions in India.
Table of Contents
- Why Gulshan Devaiah Quits Toxic: The Full Story
- The ‘Toxic’ Project: What We Know About Yash’s New Film
- A Pattern of Issues or an Isolated Incident?
- Industry Reaction and Fan Response
- What This Means for Gulshan Devaiah and Yash
- Navigating Contracts in Indian Cinema
- Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for the Industry
- Sources
Why Gulshan Devaiah Quits Toxic: The Full Story
Gulshan Devaiah, known for his versatile roles in films like Shaitan, Hunterrr, and the Mirzapur series, was cast in a pivotal role in Toxic, marking his debut in Kannada cinema alongside pan-India superstar Yash. The collaboration was seen as a major coup for the project, blending Bollywood’s indie cred with Sandalwood’s mass appeal.
However, excitement turned to frustration. According to Devaiah, after completing his initial shooting schedule, the promised payments never materialized. “They didn’t pay me,” he stated bluntly in his interview .
But the financial issue was compounded by a personal slight. Devaiah alleges that the production team behaved poorly toward his manager during on-set discussions, an act he describes as unprofessional and disrespectful. For many actors, their manager is a trusted extension of their professional self—any mistreatment is often seen as a direct affront.
Faced with broken promises and a hostile environment, Devaiah made the difficult decision to walk away, even though it meant leaving a high-profile project midway. “I can’t work in an atmosphere where basic professionalism and commitments are ignored,” he implied.
The ‘Toxic’ Project: What We Know About Yash’s New Film
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is Yash’s first film since the colossal success of KGF: Chapter 2. Directed by newcomer Abhilash, the film was pitched as a dark, psychological thriller with fantasy elements—a bold departure from Yash’s action-hero persona .
The project had already generated massive buzz, with its title and genre sparking widespread curiosity. Devaiah’s casting was a key part of its pan-Indian strategy. His exit now raises serious questions about the film’s production stability and narrative direction. Will his character be rewritten? Recast? Or will the story be altered entirely?
A Pattern of Issues or an Isolated Incident?
While every film set faces challenges, Devaiah’s allegations touch on systemic issues in the Indian film industry:
- Payment Delays: It’s not uncommon for actors—especially those from outside a regional industry—to face delayed or partial payments, often due to cash-flow issues or ambiguous contracts .
- Power Imbalances: When a superstar like Yash is involved, the entire production ecosystem often revolves around them, sometimes at the expense of guest artists or out-of-town talent.
- Lack of Formal Contracts: Verbal agreements and handshake deals, while common, leave everyone vulnerable when disputes arise.
The Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) has long advocated for standardized contracts to protect all parties involved in a production .
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
Devaiah’s revelations have sparked polarized reactions. Many fellow actors and crew members have privately expressed support, sharing similar experiences of being undervalued on big sets. Others caution against making judgments without hearing the producers’ side.
Yash’s massive fanbase, on the other hand, has largely rallied behind their hero, questioning Devaiah’s account and labeling his exit as “unprofessional.” The social media discourse has become a microcosm of the larger tension between star power and professional ethics in Indian cinema.
What This Means for Gulshan Devaiah and Yash
For Devaiah, this move is a reputational risk. He’s now seen as someone willing to walk away from a major opportunity on principle—a stance that could earn him respect among peers but potentially limit future offers from big-banner productions that prioritize loyalty over confrontation.
For Yash and his team, the fallout is more about perception. The narrative of a “toxic” work environment—ironically echoing the film’s title—could tarnish the carefully built image of a disciplined, professional star. Damage control will be essential.
Navigating Contracts in Indian Cinema
Devaiah’s situation is a wake-up call for all actors, especially those venturing into new regional industries. Here’s what professionals should consider:
- Insist on a Written Contract: Never rely on verbal assurances. A detailed agreement should cover payment schedules, call sheets, and conduct clauses.
- Clarify Payment Terms Upfront: Define advance, milestone, and final payments in writing.
- Respect Your Team: Ensure your manager or representative has clear authority and is treated with respect on your behalf.
- For more guidance, see our resource on [INTERNAL_LINK:actor-contracts-in-india].
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for the Industry
The saga of Gulshan Devaiah quits Toxic is more than a celebrity feud. It’s a stark reminder that behind the glamor of big-budget films lie real people navigating complex professional relationships. If producers want to attract top talent from across India’s linguistic markets, they must offer more than just a big name—they must offer professionalism, respect, and timely compensation. Otherwise, even the most anticipated project can become its own worst enemy.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Gulshan Devaiah reveals why he quit Yash’s ‘Toxic’ midway: ‘They didn’t pay me and behaved badly with my manager.'” January 2026.
[2] The Hindu. “Yash’s ‘Toxic’: A Genre-Bending New Venture for the KGF Star.”
[4] Indian Express. “The Hidden Costs of Stardom: Payment Issues in Regional Cinema.”
[5] Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). “Model Contracts for Film Professionals.” https://www.ftiindia.com/