
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is an upcoming Indian period gangster film directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash in a dual role and is supported by a strong ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth.
The film is jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. It has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, reflecting its ambition to reach a global audience.
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Introduction
Toxic stands out as one of the most ambitious and expensive films in Indian cinema. With a reported budget of ₹600–700 crore, the film combines a large-scale production approach with a period gangster storyline. Its visual scale, international collaboration, and stylized narrative aim to deliver a cinematic experience that appeals to both Indian and global audiences.
Plot and Theme
Set between the 1940s and 1970s, Toxic is a period gangster drama that explores the rise of a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. The story is expected to revolve around themes such as power, ambition, betrayal, and survival. With a darker tone and layered storytelling, the film seeks to present a mature and immersive narrative.
Cast
Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Yash | Raya / Ticket (dual role) |
| Kiara Advani | Nadia |
| Nayanthara | Ganga |
| Huma Qureshi | Elizabeth |
| Tara Sutaria | Rebecca |
| Rukmini Vasanth | Mellisa |
| Akshay Oberoi | Tony |
| Darrell D'Silva | Salvador |
| Sudev Nair | Karmadi |
| Balaji Manohar | Bheera |
The film also includes international actors such as Kyle Paul, Beatriz Taufenbach, and Benedict Garrett.
Development
The project was first reported in April 2023, when Yash was set to collaborate with Geetu Mohandas after the success of the KGF franchise. Initially titled “Yash 19,” the film was officially announced on 9 December 2023, when the title Toxic was revealed.
Yash is also part of the writing team, contributing creatively to the project.
Filming
Principal photography began in August 2024 in Bengaluru. The film was shot across multiple locations, including Mumbai, Goa, Thoothukudi, and Jaipur.
A major highlight of the production was the creation of a large 20-acre set recreating the mid-20th-century period. The film involved over 1,000 crew members and around 450 actors.
Cinematography is handled by Rajeev Ravi, while editing is done by Ujwal Kulkarni. Action sequences are choreographed by J. J. Perry.
Music
The soundtrack is composed by Ravi Basrur, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami. Ravi Basrur also provides the background score.
The first single, “Tabaahi,” was released on 2 March 2026, followed by theme tracks. Music rights have been acquired by Zee Music Company.
Marketing
The first glimpse of the film was released on 8 January 2026, marking Yash’s birthday. The teaser gained massive traction, crossing 200 million views within 24 hours.
Release
Toxic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 4 June 2026. It will be released in multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and English.
The film’s release date was postponed multiple times due to production delays and global factors, before being finalized.
Controversy
The film faced controversy after its teaser release. The women’s wing of Aam Aadmi Party raised objections, and a Christian organization filed a complaint alleging that certain scenes hurt religious sentiments.
Budget and Production Details
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Budget | ₹600–700 crore |
| Country | India |
| Languages | Kannada, English |
| Shooting Format | Simultaneous (Kannada & English) |
| Production Houses | KVN Productions, Monster Mind Creations |
| Release Date | 4 June 2026 |
Conclusion
Toxic is positioned as a landmark project in Indian cinema, combining a high budget, large-scale production, and international collaboration. With its compelling storyline and strong cast, the film is expected to make a significant impact upon release.
With its confirmed release on 4 June 2026, Toxic remains one of the most anticipated films of the year.