shot-button
BMC Elections 2026 BMC Elections 2026
Home > Entertainment News > Regional Indian Cinema News > Article > Rukmini Vasanths first look as Melissa in Toxic A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups unveiled

Rukmini Vasanth's first look as Melissa in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups unveiled

Updated on: 06 January,2026 11:07 AM IST  |  Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent |

Rukmini Vasanth joins Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups as Mellisa, a poised and commanding presence set in a dark, ambitious cinematic universe. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film continues to build anticipation as one of the biggest Indian releases of 2026

Rukmini Vasanth's first look as Melissa in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups unveiled

Rukmini Vasanth

Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups continues to establish itself as an evolving extravaganza that grows darker, deeper, and more daring. The saga of its intrigue takes an exciting turn as the big ticket action drama unveils Rukmini Vasanth as the graceful, commanding and unflinching Mellisa. 

Rukmini introduced as Mellisa


This film marks her striking collaboration with Yash under the distinctive cinematic gaze of Geetu Mohandas. Known for her intelligence-driven performances and emotional depth, Rukmini’s introduction signals a performance that finds space within Geetu’s layered, atmospheric storytelling, and Yash’s ambition to make an Indian film that matches global standards in scale and offers a universal resonance in its storytelling.



 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yash (@thenameisyash)

Following the unveiling of the arresting first looks of Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, Nayanthara as Ganga, and Tara Sutaria as Rebecca, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups deepens its immersive realm with the introduction of Rukmini Vasanth as Mellisa. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant, hazy party in the late 1960s, Mellisa moves with an air of absolute self-assurance. Her expression is focused—a sharp, determined gaze that pierces through the surrounding festive chaos. While the world around her is fluid and drifting, she is focused, navigating the room with a stride that commands the floor.

With each reveal, the film sharpens its edge, expanding its emotional terrain and cinematic scale, cementing Toxic one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026.

Geetu Mohandas on what makes Rukmini Vasanth unique

Geetu Mohandas says, “What I admire most about Rukmini is her intelligence as an actor. She doesn’t just perform, she processes. She asks questions, not out of doubt but out of curiosity. It pushes me to think deeper and sometimes even my own choices as a director. Watching her work reminds me that intelligence on screen often lies in what is left unsaid. Between shots, I often see her quietly writing in her journal, capturing thoughts, small anecdotes from the set. Those moments say a lot about her process. She is constantly building her own inner world. I find her approach incredibly thoughtful, and at times I honestly wish I could steal those pages and read through them, just to understand the mind behind such a layered performance.”  

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu 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 several other languages—underscoring its global ambition. The film boasts a formidable technical team, including National Award winner Rajeev Ravi as cinematographer, Ravi Basrur on music, Ujwal Kulkarni on editing, and TP Abid as production designer. High-octane action is choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick) alongside National Award-winning duo Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee. Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is slated for a grand theatrical release on the long festive weekend of 19th March 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Toxic a fairy tale for grown ups Yash Regional Cinema News Regional Cinema Updates south cinema Entertainment News

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK