In one of the most anticipated cinematic comebacks of the decade, Kannada superstar Yash is set to return to the silver screen with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups a period gangster drama that promises grit, grandeur, and global scale.
Joining him in pivotal roles are Nayanthara and Kiara Advani, making Toxic one of the biggest multi-starrer Indian films currently in production.
Release Date of Toxic
The film, directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, has officially locked its release date for March 19, 2026. Originally planned for an April 2025 premiere, the film’s release was delayed due to scheduling changes and the filmmakers’ commitment to delivering an uncompromised cinematic experience. Set to release in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, Toxic is designed to be a pan-India spectacle with international appeal.
Yash, best known for his role as Rocky Bhai in the KGF series, will be seen in an entirely new avatar. While official plot details are being kept under wraps, sources close to the production describe Toxic as a twisted fable set against the backdrop of the mid-20th-century gangster underworld. The film is believed to explore themes of power, morality, and legacy set within a dangerous world of crime syndicates and shadowy politics.
Adding intrigue to the narrative is the casting of Nayanthara, whose role has sparked much speculation. Early reports suggested she may play Yash’s sister a complex, central character entwined in the emotional and moral conflict of the story. Kiara Advani is also said to play a significant role, possibly Yash’s romantic interest, adding another layer to the tangled relationships that drive the plot.
Director Geetu Mohandas, known for her indie roots and strong visual storytelling, is making a bold leap into mainstream cinema with Toxic. Her collaboration with Yash, who is also producing the film under his banner Monster Mind Creations, is being closely watched by both fans and industry veterans. The music is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his Kannada debut and adding further buzz to the film’s already impressive lineup.
The production of Toxic has been sprawling, with a shooting schedule that spans over 150 days. Major portions are being filmed in the United Kingdom, alongside sequences in Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru. The film is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English to ensure authenticity across language versions. Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, known for his raw and immersive visual style, is behind the camera, ensuring the film’s period setting feels both realistic and cinematic.
Despite the film’s ambitious vision, Toxic has faced its share of challenges. Rumors of creative disagreements emerged during early phases of production, with some reports suggesting that Yash had taken over certain directorial decisions. However, co-stars and crew have since publicly denied such claims, reaffirming Geetu Mohandas’s creative leadership and the collaborative spirit on set.
Adding to the film’s virality, a leaked video showing Yash in a shirtless look from the sets recently went viral, with fans praising his rugged transformation. Actor Akshay Oberoi, who plays a supporting role, has described Yash’s performance as “a one-man show,” praising his screen presence and intensity.
Whether Toxic becomes the next big franchise or a singular cult classic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: March 2026 can’t come soon enough.
