Geetu Mohandas on Toxic: Reimagining Nayanthara in a never seen before avatar
Geetu Mohandas reveals her creative vision for a pivotal character in Toxic, highlighting Nayanthara’s casting and the film’s intriguing narrative.
As anticipation grows around Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, director Geetu Mohandas has opened up about her creative intent behind casting Nayanthara and shaping a character unlike anything the actor has portrayed before. Headlined by Rocking Star Yash, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19th, 2026.
Nayanthara plays Ganga, a character introduced through a striking first look that places her at the centre of the film’s layered world. Composed, commanding, and quietly intimidating, Ganga is defined not by overt theatrics but by controlled authority. The visual presentation signals a shift from the emotional vulnerability Nayanthara is often associated with, hinting at a more restrained and intense performance.
Mohandas revealed that her primary intention was to explore an unexplored dimension of Nayanthara’s screen presence. Rather than relying on expressive emotional beats, the director wanted the actor to communicate power through stillness and inner strength. As filming progressed, Mohandas found that Nayanthara’s natural depth and emotional clarity aligned seamlessly with the character, allowing the performance to evolve organically.
This philosophy extends to Toxic as a whole, which priorities atmosphere, character psychology, and world-building over familiar narrative structures. The film’s ensemble cast further reinforces this approach, with Kiara Advani as Nadia and Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, each adding distinct layers to the story’s morally complex universe.
Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned for multiple languages, Toxic positions itself as a globally minded Indian production. The film is co-written by Geetu Mohandas and Yash, and produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The technical team includes cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur, and editor Ujwal Kulkarni, with international and Indian action specialists handling the stunt choreography.
With its bold casting choices and a clear departure from conventional storytelling, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups continues to shape up as one of the most intriguing projects on the upcoming release calendar.
