Huma Qureshi on collaborating with Geetu Mohandas & Yash on Toxic

The makers of Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups have unveiled the first look of Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, adding to the growing buzz around one of the most awaited films of 2026. Known for choosing unconventional roles, Huma’s entry into the world of Toxic hints at a character with mystery and intensity.

In the first look, Huma is seen standing in a graveyard setting, surrounded by weathered tombstones and stone angels. She is positioned beside a vintage black car and dressed in an off-shoulder black outfit with dramatic sleeves, bringing in old-world elegance. The dark, gothic backdrop adds a foreboding tone, offering a glimpse into the film’s intense world.

Sharing her thoughts on casting Huma, director Geetu Mohandas took to Instagram and wrote, “Casting for this role was perhaps the trickiest.
The character demanded a performer with high octane caliber and an undeniable presence. From the moment Huma entered my frame, I
witnessed that she possessed something rare. She carried an effortless sophistication and intensity that immediately brought the character of Elizabeth alive for me. Huma is an actor who questions, probes, and challenges the artistic interpretation of a role and that dialogue became an essential part of our creative journey. She has always been known as a powerhouse of talent, but this performance will mark as a turning point for the
arrival of an undeniable, commanding new presence on celluloid. @iamhumaq I love you”

Reacting to the post, Huma Qureshi also expressed her gratitude on Instagram. Reposting Geetu’s story, she wrote, “Only you could have dreamed this up Geetu I remember our first coffee meeting when you shared your vision for this film… I was bowled over by the sheer audacity and magnitude
of what we were going to attempt!!

Each day watching you bring this to life has been nothing short of magical my Captain. Thank you for giving me the gift of Elizabeth & to @thenameisyash for being the undeniable force of nature that he is as we spoke.. This is going to be fire 🔥”

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English. Dubbed versions are planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other languages. The film features a strong technical team, with National Award winner Rajeev Ravi as cinematographer, Ravi Basrur on music, Ujwal Kulkarni as editor, and TP Abid as production designer.

The action sequences are designed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), 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 set to release in theatres on March 19, 2026, during the festive weekend of Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.