In March, the Indian box office will witness a fierce rivalry as 'Toxic', a Kannada film starring Yash, goes head-to-head with the Hindi film 'Dhurandar 2', featuring Ranveer Singh, on March 19. While the focus has been on the distribution of theaters in North India, it seems the competition has already intensified in the South. KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the makers of 'Toxic', have successfully negotiated a major distribution deal in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, elevating their position in these Telugu-speaking regions.

The distribution rights for 'Toxic' in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were acquired by Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC), a company headed by producer Dil Raju, for ₹120 crore, making it the most substantial acquisition for a non-Telugu film in the region to date. This deal highlights the growing influence of Kannada cinema in the Telugu markets, as it previously faced strong competition from local productions. Despite multiple contenders for these distribution rights, including PVR Inox, SVC ultimately secured the deal, reflecting a strategic move that could influence viewer preferences and box office outcomes.

Dil Raju emphasized the significance of Yash's appeal in Indian cinema, hinting at the potential success of 'Toxic' in these markets. This positioning could not only alter earnings for 'Dhurandar 2' but also signify a shift in the dynamics of regional cinema competition in India. The contrasting genres and star power of both films will further enhance this competition in March, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian film industry as it navigates an evolving landscape of regional cinema dominance.