In the highly anticipated film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups', the costumes are far more than just fabric and thread. According to the film's costume designer, Neha R Bajaj, every outfit is a vital piece of the narrative puzzle, meticulously crafted to reveal the soul of each character.
Fashion as a Storytelling Tool in 'Toxic'
Neha R Bajaj, in a candid conversation with Mid Day, emphasized that her approach to the film was deeply rooted in character psychology. The directive from the makers was unambiguous: the styling had to be driven entirely by the characters' personas. "Every look had to say something about the person wearing it," Bajaj stated, ensuring that no ensemble felt arbitrary or devoid of meaning.
She elaborated on the challenge and scale of the project, given the stellar cast headlined by Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Huma Qureshi. "Given the scale of the cast, each character has a distinct stylistic language," Bajaj explained. "The costumes [had to] communicate their authority, emotional state, and the dynamics they bring into the story." This philosophy transforms fashion from mere decoration into a powerful medium of expression within the film's universe.
Decoding the Glamorous and Intense First Looks
The first promotional images of Kiara Advani and Huma Qureshi from 'Toxic' created a significant buzz, and for good reason. Bajaj revealed that their looks were intentionally designed to be glamorous, heavy, dreamy, and intense. She stressed that in this cinematic world, nothing is done halfway. The film is built on a robust visual concept where every detail, from character outfits to sets, is painstakingly planned.
"It's a film with a lot of badass characters," she declared, highlighting that each woman in the story conveys strength, power, and raw emotion through her wardrobe. Following these reveals, superstar Yash unveiled the first look of Nayanthara, who plays a character named Ganga. The poster showcases Nayanthara in a striking black one-shoulder outfit with a thigh-high slit, paired with high boots and a chunky gold bracelet, perfectly encapsulating the film's bold aesthetic.
A World Away from 'The Family Man'
Bajaj, who also worked on the acclaimed series 'The Family Man', drew a clear contrast between the two projects. Interestingly, she worked on 'Toxic' before Raj and DK's spy thriller. She described 'The Family Man' as a project where the brief was to keep styling real and relatable. 'Toxic', however, exists in a completely different realm. It is deliberately bold, larger than life, and every element is carefully designed to create a specific, heightened visual experience.
This fairy tale for adults promises to be a visual spectacle where costume design plays a lead role in storytelling. The film is slated for a grand release on April 10, 2025, and is set for a box office clash with another major production, adding to the anticipation surrounding its debut.
