The anticipation for superstar Yash's next cinematic venture, 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups,' continues to build with a steady stream of reveals. Following the stunning first looks of its leading ladies, the film's team has now unveiled the captivating avatar of actor Rukmini Vasanth, who plays a pivotal character named Mellisa.
Mellisa Makes Her Entry: A Force of Focus
The first look was revealed through a collaborative social media post featuring Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Rukmini Vasanth. The caption formally introduced her character: "Introducing Rukmini Vasanth as MELLISA in A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups."
The poster paints a vivid picture of Mellisa's world. Set against the vibrant, hazy backdrop of a late 1960s party, she stands out with an air of unwavering self-assurance. While the environment around her is fluid and chaotic with celebration, Mellisa remains a pillar of intense focus. Her sharp, determined gaze cuts through the festive noise, and her commanding stride suggests a woman who owns the space she navigates.
Rukmini's Mellisa joins an already impressive ensemble of characters revealed so far, including Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, and Tara Sutaria as Rebecca. Each reveal deepens the immersive and intriguing world that director Geetu Mohandas is crafting.
Director's Insight: Geetu Mohandas on Rukmini's Intelligent Process
In an interview with IANS, director Geetu Mohandas shared profound insights into what makes Rukmini Vasanth a unique collaborator. She highlighted the actor's intellectual approach to her craft above all else.
"What I admire most about Rukmini is her intelligence as an actor. She doesn’t just perform; she processes," Mohandas stated. She explained that Rukmini asks questions driven by curiosity, not doubt, which in turn challenges the director to delve deeper into her own creative choices.
Mohandas also offered a glimpse into Rukmini's personal process on set. "Between shots, I often see her quietly writing in her journal, capturing thoughts and small anecdotes from the set. Those moments say a lot about her process," the filmmaker revealed. She added that this habit of building an "inner world" for her character is incredibly thoughtful, so much so that Mohandas humorously wished she could peek into those journal pages to understand the mind behind such layered performances.
Global Ambition and Grand Release Plans
'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups' is shaping up to be a pan-Indian and global spectacle. The film is written by both Yash and Geetu Mohandas, with Mohandas at the directorial helm. In a strategic move, it is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English. To maximize its reach, dubbed versions are planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages.
The project is backed by a formidable technical crew, including National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, music composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni, and production designer TP Abid.
Mark your calendars, as the film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on March 19 this year. This date strategically falls on a long festive weekend, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa, promising a massive box office opening.
