Kiara Advani describes 'Toxic' as her toughest performance yet

Highlights

• Kiara Advani describes her role in Toxic: A fairy tale for grown-ups as her toughest performance so far
• She plays Nadia in the Yash-led film, directed by Geetu Mohandas
• The film is set for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026
• Toxic is shot simultaneously in English and Kannada

Kiara Advani on taking a “fearless leap”

Kiara Advani has opened up about her role in the upcoming film Toxic: a fairy tale for grown-ups, calling it the most challenging performance of her career. Sharing a note on Instagram, the actor said the role demanded more from her “physically, mentally, emotionally” and described the experience as transformative.

Calling it her “toughest one yet,” Kiara reflected on months of preparation and hard work that went into playing the character, adding that the role required a fearless leap outside her comfort zone.

First look introduces Nadia

The makers recently unveiled Kiara’s first look from the film. The image shows her as Nadia, dressed in a floor-length black gown with a high slit, standing under bright stage lights as gold confetti falls around her.

Set against a circus-like backdrop, the poster contrasts spectacle with emotion. Kiara’s expression hints at grief and inner conflict beneath the glamorous surface. Sharing the image, lead actor Yash introduced her character by name, calling the film “a toxic fairy tale for grown-ups.”

About the film and release plans

Headlined by Yash, Toxic: a fairy tale for grown-ups is directed by Geetu Mohandas and produced by VN Productions along with Monster Mind Creations. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026.

Notably, Toxic is the first Indian film to be shot simultaneously in English and Kannada. It also marks Yash’s first project since the release of KGF: Chapter 2 in 2022.

Box office clash ahead

The film’s release is expected to see a major box office clash, as it opens alongside Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 and Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit. Addressing the competition at a recent event, Sesh downplayed the clash, saying he remains focused on his own film rather than the scale of the competition.

Recent work

Kiara Advani was last seen in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, which also starred Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. With Toxic, the actor steps into darker, more complex territory, signaling a clear shift in her choice of roles.