The makers of director Geetu Mohandas’s eagerly anticipated action entertainer ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ have unveiled the striking first look of actress Rukmini Vasanth. In the film, she portrays a character named Mellisa.
A Collaboratively Unique Trio
This project marks an exciting collaboration between Rukmini and Yash, all under the skilled direction of Geetu Mohandas. Rukmini, celebrated for her intelligence-driven performances and emotional depth, brings a nuanced portrayal within Geetu’s layered storytelling. This aligns with Yash’s ambition to create an Indian film that rivals global cinema in scale and offers a universal appeal.
Introducing Mellisa
Following the first looks of Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, and Tara Sutaria as Rebecca, Rukmini Vasanth’s introduction as Mellisa adds new depth to ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.’ Set against a vibrant, hazy party backdrop in the late 1960s, Mellisa embodies self-assurance. With a sharp, determined gaze that cuts through the festive chaos, she navigates the room with a commanding presence.
Praise from the Director
Geetu Mohandas expresses her admiration for Rukmini, stating, “What I admire most about Rukmini is her intelligence as an actor. She doesn’t just perform; she processes. She asks questions, not out of doubt but out of curiosity. It pushes me to think deeper about my own choices as a director. Watching her work reminds me that intelligence on screen often lies in what is left unsaid.”
She further elaborates, “Between shots, I often see her quietly writing in her journal, capturing thoughts and anecdotes from the set. Those moments reveal a lot about her process. She is constantly building her own inner world. I find her approach incredibly thoughtful, and at times, I honestly wish I could steal those pages and read through them, just to understand the mind behind such a layered performance.”
Film Overview
‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ is penned by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, with Geetu also directing. Filmed simultaneously in Kannada and English, the film is set to have dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, underscoring its global ambition.
The film features a robust technical team, including National Award winner Rajeev Ravi as cinematographer, Ravi Basrur handling music, Ujwal Kulkarni on editing, and TP Abid as production designer.
Choreography and Production
High-octane action sequences have been choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (known for John Wick) in collaboration with National Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, ‘Toxic’ is slated for a grand theatrical release on the long festive weekend of March 19 this year, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.