The filmmakers behind Yash’s much-anticipated “Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Adults” have revealed the first look at Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, unveiling a character who mixes old-world glamor with unsettling gothic menace.
The newly released image shows Qureshi against the backdrop of a cemetery, his character positioned next to a classic black automobile. Her costume includes a dramatic black dress with exposed shoulders and striking sleeves, presenting a character whose refined appearance masks darker undertones. The burial location and subdued color palette hint at a figure whose influence comes from calm and sophistication rather than explicit aggression.
Qureshi has built a formidable reputation on cinema and streaming platforms with his acclaimed performances in Anurag Kashyap’s crime drama ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, dark comedy ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and revenge thriller ‘Badlapur’. Her work in streaming series includes Netflix’s dystopian drama “Leila” and SonyLIV’s political thriller “Maharani”, for which she received a Filmfare OTT Award. She recently starred in season 3 of the Netflix series ‘Delhi Crime’ and played the lead role in Bikas Ranjan Mishra’s film ‘Bayaan’, which received acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival.
Yash, the Kannada-language film industry actor who rose to pan-Indian stardom with the ‘KGF’ franchise, has become one of the most sought-after stars in Indian cinema. Known for his portrayal of Rocky Bhai in “KGF: Chapter 1” (2018) and “KGF: Chapter 2” (2022), Yash’s transformation into a larger-than-life action hero propelled the films to unprecedented success at the box office, breaking language barriers. The second installment of the franchise is the fifth highest-grossing Indian blockbuster of all time. While the series “KGF” consolidated his star power, Yash’s early career in Kannada-language films showcased his versatility, with notable performances in projects such as “Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari” (2014) and “Googly” (2013).
“Toxic” is helmed by festival circuit darling Geetu Mohandas (“Moothon”). This ambitious project represents a watershed moment for Kannada cinema, which has continued to gain momentum internationally following the ‘KGF’ phenomenon. Written by Yash and Mohandas, “Toxic” breaks new ground as the first major Indian film conceptualized, written and shot simultaneously in Kannada and English – with dubbed versions planned for Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and other languages.
“Casting for this role was perhaps the trickiest,” said director Geetu Mohandas. “The character demanded a high caliber performer and an undeniable presence. From the moment Huma entered my frame, I saw that she possessed something rare. She carried an effortless sophistication and intensity that immediately brought the character of Elizabeth to life. Huma is an actress who questions, probes and challenges the artistic interpretation of a role and this dialogue became an essential part of our creative journey. She has always been known as a powerhouse of talent, but this performance will mark a turning point for the arrival of something undeniable, imposing a new presence on celluloid.
The first look at Kiara Advani’s character Nadia was revealed recently.
The production brought together a remarkable technical team, including Indian National Film Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni and production designer TP Abid. The action sequences were choreographed by Hollywood’s JJ Perry, known for his work on “John Wick,” alongside Indian National Film Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash through KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, ‘Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Adults’ is set to hit the theaters on March 19, 2026, capitalizing on the long weekend that encompasses Eid, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa celebrations.
