Yash’s latest film Toxic opened in theatres on August 26 and received a strong opening at the box office. However, the film soon faced a wave of negative reactions and reviews on social media.
Amid the ongoing discussion, author and columnist Shobhaa De shared her own way of getting over what she called the “Toxic effect”.
Shobhaa De Turns To Musafir Cafe
In a video shared on social media, Shobhaa De spoke about the response surrounding Toxic before recommending another film.
She said the reviews for Toxic had been “dreadful” and that many people were questioning who could sit through the film.
Instead of discussing Toxic further, she shifted attention to what she described as a much sweeter viewing experience — Musafir Cafe.
She Praises Vikrant Massey And Vedika Pinto
Shobhaa De had strong words of praise for the performances in Musafir Cafe.
She particularly highlighted Vikrant Massey, saying she found his character Chander Mohan dependable and charming.
She also praised Vedika Pinto, describing her performance as energetic and layered. According to De, Pinto has the potential to become a major star on the big screen.
Why She Loved The Film
Shobhaa De also praised the story and script of Musafir Cafe, along with its emotional tone.
She described the film as tender, loving and heartwarming, saying it delivered the right emotions without overstating them.
The locations also impressed her, especially Mussoorie. She said the film made her want to visit the hill station and enjoy a café experience similar to what was shown in the story.
What Shobhaa De Recommended To Viewers
Rather than focusing only on the negative reactions to Toxic, Shobhaa De recommended Musafir Cafe to viewers looking for something different.
Her comments have added another angle to the discussion around the two films and their contrasting reception.
How Is Toxic Performing At The Box Office?
Toxic had a strong opening day, collecting Rs 101.10 crore nett in India, according to the figures mentioned in the report.
However, its second-day earnings dropped sharply. The film collected Rs 36.40 crore nett on Thursday, taking its two-day total to Rs 137.50 crore nett in India.
The film has been performing better in Hindi compared with Kannada, its original language. Its Telugu version has also made a significant contribution, while Tamil and Malayalam have recorded comparatively lower numbers.
Conclusion
Shobhaa De’s comments have brought attention to Musafir Cafe at a time when Toxic is facing mixed and largely negative reactions online.
While Toxic started strongly at the box office, De chose to highlight Musafir Cafe for its softer storytelling, performances and emotional appeal.
Her recommendation gives viewers another film to consider if they are looking for a more heartwarming experience.
FAQ
When did Toxic release?
Toxic released in theatres on August 26, 2026.
What did Shobhaa De say about Toxic reviews?
Shobhaa De described the reviews as “dreadful” while discussing the strong negative reaction surrounding the film.
Which film did Shobhaa De watch after Toxic?
She said she watched Musafir Cafe to get over what she called the “Toxic effect”.
Whom did Shobhaa De praise in Musafir Cafe?
She praised Vikrant Massey and Vedika Pinto for their performances.
What was Toxic‘s two-day India collection mentioned in the report?
The film collected Rs 137.50 crore nett in India over its first two days, according to the figures cited in the report.