The anticipation for superstar Yash's next cinematic venture, 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups', has been dialed up a notch. The film's makers have now pulled back the curtain on the character of Elizabeth, portrayed by the talented Huma Qureshi, releasing a stunning first-look poster that has immediately captured the imagination of fans and cinephiles alike.
A Poster Steeped in Dark, Gothic Grandeur
Shared on Yash's official Instagram account, the first look introduces Huma Qureshi in a role that promises high drama. The poster is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Qureshi is seen posing with an intense gaze against the haunting backdrop of a cemetery, instantly establishing a dark and mysterious tone for her character. She is adorned in a dramatic, flowing black gown, standing next to a sleek black vintage car, creating a visual that blends old-world elegance with a palpable sense of gothic energy.
The official caption on the post read, "Introducing Huma Qureshi as ELIZABETH in - A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups," tagging co-stars Kiara Advani and the core creative team including director Geetu Mohandas, composer Ravi Basrur, and the production houses.
Netizens Draw Parallels with Hollywood
The reaction to the poster was swift and overwhelmingly positive, with many fans drawing direct comparisons to the production values of Hollywood cinema. Comments on the post praised the visual sophistication, with one user noting, "Each and every poster stands tall at true Hollywood standards." Another simply stated, "Hollywood vibes," while others began speculating about the film's box office potential against its upcoming competitor.
Inside the World of 'Toxic'
'Toxic' is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Geetu Mohandas and is co-written by her and Yash. It boasts a massive, pan-India ensemble cast that includes Yash himself, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair. The film will be released originally in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned for Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other major Indian languages.
The film's release date is set for 19 March 2026, strategically timed for the festive occasions of Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa. This positioning sets the stage for a major box office clash with filmmaker Aditya Dhar's much-anticipated project, 'Dhurandhar 2', which is scheduled to release on the same day.
Why Huma Qureshi Was the Perfect Choice for Elizabeth
In an earlier conversation with Variety, director Geetu Mohandas shed light on the casting process for this pivotal role. She described it as "perhaps the trickiest," emphasizing that the character demanded a performer with immense caliber and a commanding screen presence.
"From the moment Huma entered my frame, I witnessed that she possessed something rare," Mohandas explained. She praised Qureshi's "effortless sophistication and intensity," which immediately brought Elizabeth to life. The director also highlighted Qureshi's collaborative and probing nature as an artist, calling their creative dialogue an essential part of the journey. Mohandas concluded by stating that this performance would mark a "turning point" and solidify Qureshi as an "undeniable, commanding new presence on celluloid."
'Toxic' is jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The first look of Kiara Advani from the film was also released recently, continuing the strategy of building hype by introducing the stellar cast one by one. With its grand scale, unique theme, and now, a series of visually arresting posters, 'Toxic' is firmly positioning itself as one of the most awaited Indian films of 2026.
