The world of Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups continues to expand, and the latest addition only heightens the intrigue. Actress Rukmini Vasanth has officially joined the much-anticipated film headlined by K.G.F star Yash, stepping into the role of Mellisa. The announcement was made on Tuesday, accompanied by her striking first-look poster.
Sharing the reveal, Yash wrote, “Introducing Rukmini Vasanth @rukminitweets as MELLISA in – A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups.” The poster instantly grabbed attention, presenting Rukmini in a bold new avatar—far removed from her familiar girl-next-door image. Dressed in a sleek, high-neck gown with a thigh-high slit, she strides confidently through a dimly lit, smoke-filled party setting, commanding the frame with effortless poise and mystery.
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Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic boasts an impressive ensemble cast that already includes Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, and Tara Sutaria as Rebecca. Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair also play pivotal roles, making the film one of the most star-studded projects in recent times.
Geetu Mohandas, who has co-written the film alongside Yash, had high praise for Rukmini’s approach to her craft. Speaking about the actor, the filmmaker shared that what stands out most is her intelligence and depth as a performer. According to Geetu, Rukmini does not merely perform scenes—she processes them, asking questions driven by curiosity rather than doubt. “Watching her work reminds me that intelligence on screen often lies in what is left unsaid,” she noted.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups is a period gangster drama that marks Yash’s first film since the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2 (2022). A teaser released earlier this year offered a glimpse into the film’s dark, stylised universe, with Yash seen in a crisp white suit, cigar in hand, making a dramatic entrance into a pub—setting the tone for what promises to be a gritty, unconventional narrative.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, Toxic will arrive in cinemas in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The film is set to clash with Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2, making the date one of the most anticipated box-office showdowns of the year.
With its distinctive aesthetic, powerhouse cast, and Geetu Mohandas’ bold storytelling vision, Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about cinematic events on the horizon—and Rukmini Vasanth’s Mellisa may well be one of its most compelling surprises.
