Fans were quite unhappy when the release date for Yash’s ‘Toxic’ was shifted to June, but now it seems that they are counting days to its release, and the expectations are high. Bollywood star Kiara Advani stars alongside Yash, and ahead of the release, director Geetu Mohandas has opened up about casting Kiara, revealing that the actress was her first and only choice for the role of Nadia.
Kiara Advani was the only choice
Geetu Mohandas shared in an interview with Grazia India that Kiara Advani perfectly fit the character from the beginning. She believed the role required a unique emotional balance. Speaking about casting, she said, “Nadia (portrayed by Kiara Advani) embodies fragility and ferocity at once, so from the very beginning, she was my first and only choice. There is something about her screen presence that feels deeply human. Sometimes cinema begins not with logic, but with a feeling, and casting Kiara was exactly that kind of feeling.”
Director praises Kiara Advani’s screen presence
Geetu Mohandas highlighted Kiara’s ability to bring authenticity to her characters and noted that her presence on screen feels natural and relatable. The filmmaker explained that casting decisions are sometimes driven by instinct. In Kiara’s case, it was an immediate connection to the role. The director also spoke about Kiara’s work ethic and approach to acting. She emphasized the actress’s discipline and sincerity.Geetu Mohandas said, “Her dedication is not loud or performative. It is quiet, disciplined, and deeply sincere. She doesn’t just follow directions; she participates in building the emotional architecture of the character. You can see that she has spent time living with the character in her mind long before the camera starts rolling. But what truly sets her apart is her curiosity, which transforms the filmmaking process into a conversation rather than a one-sided direction.”
Kiara Advani’s first look
Earlier this year, the makers unveiled Kiara Advani’s first-look poster from the film. Praising her performance, Geetu Mohandas said, “Some performances don’t just belong to a film; they redefine an artist. What Kiara created on screen in this film is nothing short of transformative. As a director, I am deeply proud of her and the performance she has delivered and the faith and heart she brought into our shared journey.”
Star cast and release date
‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ features a strong ensemble cast. Along with Yash and Kiara Advani, the film stars Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi, and Sudev Nair in key roles. The film is slated to release on June 4, 2026.
