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Huma Qureshi As Elizabeth
The anticipation for Yash’s ambitious gangster drama Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups reached new heights today as the makers dropped the first-look poster of Huma Qureshi in the role of the mysterious Elizabeth.
Shared by lead actor Yash on X (formerly Twitter), the poster showcases Qureshi in a haunting gothic setting: standing poised beside a vintage black car in a graveyard, surrounded by weathered tombstones, stone angels, and a stormy sky.
Dressed in an elegant black gown, she exudes a quiet menace and sophisticated intensity, perfectly aligning with the film’s noir-inspired aesthetic.
Director’s Praise For A “Trickiest” Casting Choice
Director Geetu Mohandas, known for acclaimed films like Moothon, opened up about selecting Qureshi for this pivotal role.
In a statement reported by Variety and The Indian Express, Mohandas said:
“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.”
Mohandas further highlighted Qureshi’s collaborative spirit, noting that her probing questions enriched the creative process and signaled a “turning point” in her career toward more commanding roles.
Fan Frenzy And Hollywood Comparisons
The poster quickly went viral, garnering over 14,000 likes on Yash’s post within hours and sparking enthusiastic reactions across social media.
Fans praised its “Hollywood vibes,” with comments like “vintage queen” and “pure goth dark angel” flooding in.
Many drew parallels to international cinema standards, calling the visual sophistication “top-tier.”
While the buzz is overwhelmingly positive, some humorous replies urged the team to avoid a box-office clash.
However, the film’s confirmed release date of March 19, 2026, coincides with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2, setting up a potential high-stakes showdown.
What Makes ‘Toxic’ Stand Out?
Post his blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2, Yash returns with this pan-India project, co-written with Mohandas and produced under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.
Set against Goa’s coastal backdrop, hiding a ruthless drug cartel, Toxic blends fairy-tale motifs with mature themes of crime and ambition.
The ensemble cast includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Akshay Oberoi.
Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English (with dubbed versions in multiple languages), it promises global appeal with technical heavyweights like cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and composer Ravi Basrur on board.
Insight
Qureshi’s Elizabeth appears to subvert typical female roles in action dramas, leaning on restrained power over spectacle.
This choice reflects Mohandas’ vision for layered, menacing characters, potentially elevating the film’s noir elements beyond standard gangster tropes.
With posters consistently delivering high visual impact, Toxic is shaping up as one of 2026’s most stylish and intriguing releases.
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