Rukmini Vasanth Steps Into the World of ‘Toxic’ as Mellisa, Expanding Yash’s Dark Pan-India Epic

The ambitious cinematic universe of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups continues to grow richer and more intense with the introduction of Rukmini Vasanth as Mellisa. With every new reveal, the film deepens its layered narrative and sharpens its global vision, positioning itself as one of the most awaited Indian releases of 2026.

This marks Rukmini Vasanth’s striking collaboration with Yash under the direction of Geetu Mohandas. Known for her emotionally intelligent performances, Rukmini’s inclusion signals a character that thrives within the film’s atmospheric storytelling and morally complex world.

Following the previously revealed characters—Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, and Tara Sutaria as Rebecca—the unveiling of Mellisa further strengthens the film’s ensemble-driven narrative.

Set against the backdrop of a hazy, high-energy party scene inspired by the late 1960s, Mellisa is portrayed as calm, composed, and quietly authoritative. While the space around her pulses with movement and chaos, she cuts through it with unwavering focus. Her poised stride and piercing gaze suggest a woman who commands attention without raising her voice—someone firmly in control of her world.

Director Geetu Mohandas praised Rukmini’s approach to performance, highlighting her thoughtful process and intellectual engagement with the role. According to the filmmaker, Rukmini brings depth not through overt expression but through restraint, internalization, and curiosity—qualities that translate into a layered screen presence where much is conveyed through silence and subtext.

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, and directed by Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been filmed simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other languages, reinforcing its global ambitions.

The film features an elite technical team, including cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, music composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni, and production designer TP Abid. Action sequences are choreographed by JJ Perry, along with National Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.

Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.