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The latest character reveal from Geetu Mohandas’s ambitious bilingual project introduces Rukmini Vasanth in a poised, enigmatic role ahead of the film’s March release.
The makers of Toxic – A Fairytale for Grown-Ups have unveiled the first look of actor Rukmini Vasanth as Mellisa, extending the carefully paced character introductions for one of 2026’s most closely watched Indian films. The reveal follows earlier posters introducing Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Nayanthara and Tara Sutaria in key roles.
Set against the backdrop of a 1960s-style party, the image presents Vasanth moving through a crowded, celebratory space with deliberate composure. The framing suggests a character marked less by spectacle than by control — alert, observant and seemingly untouched by the surrounding excess.
Vasanth, who began her film career in Kannada cinema with Birbal Trilogy (2019), has steadily built a reputation for interior, emotionally precise performances. She won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada for Sapta Saagaradaache Ello: Side A and Side B (2023), and has since appeared across industries, including Telugu, Tamil and pan-Indian projects. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, she has often spoken about approaching performance through restraint rather than flourish.
Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas, whose previous work includes the critically acclaimed Moothon. In a statement accompanying the reveal, Mohandas described Vasanth as an actor drawn to process rather than display, noting her habit of documenting observations and internal rhythms between takes — an approach that feeds into what the director calls a “layered” screen presence.
The film marks a significant step for Kannada cinema on the global stage. Written by Mohandas and Yash, Toxic is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in multiple Indian languages. Yash, who rose to pan-Indian prominence with the K.G.F films, leads the project both as actor and co-writer.
Backed by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic – A Fairytale for Grown-Ups features a technical team that includes cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur and action director J.J. Perry. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 19 March 2026, timed to coincide with a major festive holiday window.