New Delhi/Los Angeles, Dec 31 (UNI) The makers of ‘Toxic – A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ starring Yash, have unveiled the first look of Nayanthara as Ganga, showcasing the actress in a role defined by commanding authority and visual intensity, reports Variety.
The poster features Nayanthara standing in front of an ornate casino entrance, weapon in hand, exuding controlled power in a high-stakes, luxurious setting. The image hints at a character driven by calculated authority rather than traditional heroism, marking a bold departure for the acclaimed actor.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Nayanthara has established herself as one of India’s leading actors, with over 75 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.
Her notable women-centric projects include Aramm, Kolamaavu Kokila, and Netrikann, alongside her pan-Indian presence in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan.
Yash, who rose to pan-Indian fame with the KGF franchise, has become one of Indian cinema’s most sought-after stars. Known for his portrayal of Rocky Bhai in ‘KGF: Chapter 1’ (2018) and ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ (2022), Yash’s larger-than-life performance helped the films achieve unprecedented box-office success.
While the franchise cemented his stardom, his early Kannada hits such as Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari (2014) and Googly (2013) showcased his versatility.
Directed by festival favourite Geetu Mohandas (Moothon), Toxic marks a milestone for Kannada cinema, which has gained global attention following the KGF phenomenon.
Co-written by Yash and Mohandas, the film is the first major Indian project simultaneously conceptualized, written, and shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other languages.
Speaking about Nayanthara’s performance, Mohandas said, “We all know Nayan as a celebrated star with a commanding screen presence, but in ‘Toxic,’ audiences will witness a talent that had been quietly waiting to explode. Her personality perfectly aligned with the soul of Ganga – her depth, honesty, restraint, and emotional clarity weren’t just performances; they were qualities she already possessed. I found my Ganga, brilliantly performed by her, and unexpectedly, I found a dear friend.”
The character reveal follows earlier announcements of Kiara Advani as Nadia and Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, each with distinct visual identities in the film.
Toxic boasts a stellar technical team, including National Film Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni, and production designer T.P. Abid.
Action sequences are choreographed by Hollywood’s J.J. Perry (John Wick) along with Indian National Film Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, ‘Toxic – A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ is slated for theatrical release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the extended holiday weekend, including Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa celebrations.
