Following the record breaking success of KGF, the trailer of Toxic, featuring Rocking Star and South sensation Yash, has taken the internet by storm. Yash is also co-producing this period gangster drama under his own production house, Monster Creations. In the film, he portrays the feared and merciless gang leader named Raya. The project has already generated massive anticipation, especially after the release of its first glimpse titled The Tease.

The trailer has drawn widespread praise from film professionals, particularly for its cinematography, performances, and overall technical finesse. However, certain scenes that appear bold in nature have raised concerns among conservative audiences. This has sparked conversations about the filmmaker behind such a daring presentation, especially among non-Kannada viewers who are curious about the creative mind steering the project. Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is directed by Geetu Mohandas and is gearing up for a theatrical release.

From Action to Direction... A Rising Sensation

Instead of opting for a conventional pan-India action filmmaker, Yash surprised the industry by selecting Geetu Mohandas, a highly respected director known for her artistic storytelling. She began her journey as a child artist and later evolved into an internationally acclaimed filmmaker. Her directorial debut, Liars Dice (2013), portrayed the emotional and dangerous journey of a woman traveling from a Himalayan village to Delhi in search of her missing husband.

The film received global recognition at prestigious festivals such as Sundance and Rotterdam and was chosen as Indias official submission for the 87th Academy Awards. It also earned two major honors at the 61st National Film Awards, winning Best Actress and Best Cinematography. Notably, the films cinematographer, Rajeev Ravi, is Geetu Mohandas husband.

Rajeev Ravi is widely celebrated for his raw and realistic visual style, particularly in films like Gangs of Wasseypur. His strong visual language adds depth to Geetu Mohandas storytelling. His filmography also includes notable titles such as Dev D, Chandni Bar, and Udta Punjab.

Why Toxic Stands Out

After delivering a mass blockbuster like KGF, Yashs decision to collaborate with a director known for layered and thought-provoking cinema initially raised eyebrows. However, those familiar with Geetu Mohandas second feature Mooton, which won the Global Filmmaking Award at the Sundance Film Festival, recognize the strength of this choice. Her signature dark realism combined with Yashs larger-than-life screen presence has created expectations for a fresh and globally appealing Indian blockbuster.

The ensemble cast includes Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria in key roles. It is worth recalling how filmmaker Mira Nair once stirred controversy with Kama Sutra but later justified the narrative depth of her work. Similarly, even with just one teaser, Geetu Mohandas is already facing criticism from conservative groups and legal challenges. Only time will reveal the scale of discussions and debates that may arise once the full film is released.