Huma Qureshi Unveiled as Elizabeth in Yash–Geetu Mohandas’ Toxic, Calls the Film a Bold Cinematic Leap

The excitement surrounding Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups continues to intensify with the unveiling of the first look of Huma Qureshi as ‘Elizabeth’. The film, headlined by Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious cinematic projects of 2026.

Huma Qureshi, widely admired for her bold and unconventional choices, steps into a character that promises mystery, depth, and intensity. Her first-look poster sets a haunting tone—she is seen in a graveyard backdrop, surrounded by aged tombstones and stone angels, standing beside a vintage black car. Dressed in an off-shoulder black outfit with dramatic sleeves, she exudes an old-world elegance that perfectly complements the film’s dark, gothic atmosphere. The visual hints at a layered character set within an intense and enigmatic narrative.

Sharing her thoughts on the casting, Geetu Mohandas revealed that finding the right performer for Elizabeth was one of the most challenging aspects of the film. She noted that Huma brought a rare blend of sophistication, power, and emotional intensity, instantly giving life to the character. The director also emphasized Huma’s instinct to question and challenge creative interpretations, calling that artistic dialogue a crucial part of their collaborative journey. According to Mohandas, this role marks a defining moment in Huma’s cinematic evolution, establishing her as a commanding presence on the big screen.

Responding warmly, Huma Qureshi expressed her gratitude and excitement, recalling her first discussion with Geetu about the project. She described being “bowled over by the scale and audacity” of what the team was attempting and praised the director for translating a bold vision into reality. Huma also acknowledged Yash’s overwhelming screen presence, calling him a force of nature, and hinted that the film will be nothing short of explosive.

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

The film boasts a powerful technical lineup, including National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, music composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni, and production designer TP Abid. The action sequences are crafted by Hollywood stunt director JJ Perry (John Wick fame), alongside National Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee, promising high-impact, international-scale action.

Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups is slated for a grand theatrical release on March 19, 2026, aligning with the festive weekend of Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.

With its bold vision, global scale, and powerful performances, Toxic is shaping up to be a cinematic event that challenges conventions and redefines storytelling.