Kichcha Sudeep has explained his public support for Yash's 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' amid mixed and negative reactions from sections of the audience and critics. Speaking at the 'Bigg Boss' Kannada Season 13 press conference, Sudeep said his comments were driven by his position as a fellow Kannadiga and his appreciation for Yash's decision to attempt something different. The actor also opened up about his own career, his love for cinema and his upcoming collaboration with filmmaker Anup Bhandari, 'Billa Ranga Baashaa'.

Support for Yash and 'Toxic'

Sudeep, who is returning as the host of 'Bigg Boss Kannada' Season 13, was asked about his earlier social media post in support of Yash and 'Toxic'. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, has faced criticism for its storytelling and other aspects, even as Yash's performance and the film's ambition have been discussed by viewers. Responding to the question at the press conference, Sudeep said his support came from a sense of solidarity with Yash and the Kannada film industry. "That was my stand to my colleague, a fellow Kannadiga, Kannada cinema and the Kannada effort behind the film," Sudeep said.

Following the release of 'Toxic', Sudeep had taken to X to acknowledge Yash's decision to move away from the formula associated with his previous blockbuster franchise, KGF. "Just want to say this, Yash, you've genuinely tried something out of the box rather than taking the predictable route of making another regular, expected, formulaic follow-up to your previous commercial blockbuster," he wrote. Sudeep further praised Yash for having the conviction to attempt a different kind of film. "It takes a different mindset, conviction, and most importantly, the guts to attempt something like this," he added. Calling 'Toxic' an "unusual and commendable attempt", Sudeep also said that several portions of the film are "genuinely intriguing and open to great debate, discussion, and learning."

On his own career and film absence

At the press conference, Sudeep also addressed his own career, noting that he has not had a film release this year, something he said affects him deeply. "Nobody bleeds more than me when I don't have a film release," he said. He recalled working on the film 'Mark' last year while hosting the previous season of 'Bigg Boss' Kannada, describing how he travelled from Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram to Bengaluru for the show. Sudeep said he shot for 120 days across 22 sets and various locations. "For five and a half months, I was sleepless. I gave a film. There is nothing bigger than the love I have for cinema," he said. He emphasized that his absence from films does not mean he is stepping away from the industry. "Me not doing a film doesn't mean I am going on a trip or partying. Cinema is my life. I love being in front of the camera," he added.

Upcoming project 'Billa Ranga Baashaa'

Sudeep is currently busy shooting for 'Billa Ranga Baashaa', a reunion with director Anup Bhandari, with whom he previously collaborated on 'Vikrant Rona'. The film is a futuristic action drama set in a dystopian world in the year 2209 AD. According to reports, the set is located just 15 minutes from the 'Bigg Boss' house, which allows Sudeep to balance his hosting duties with the shoot. 'Billa Ranga Baashaa' is scheduled for release in 2027.

Return as 'Bigg Boss' host

Sudeep's return as the host of 'Bigg Boss Kannada' Season 13 is a major television commitment. The new season will premiere on September 6 on Colors Kannada and JioHotstar.