Yash’s Comeback Film Toxic: Goa’s Fearsome Gangster and a Thrilling Crime Empire

Four years after the blockbuster success of KGF: Chapter 2, Pan-India superstar Yash is back with his highly anticipated film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, this gangster action thriller is set in Goa and spans the decades from 1940 to 1970, telling a gripping story of crime, power, and ambition.

Plot and Story

The UAE distributor of Toxic, Fars Films, released the official synopsis revealing the film’s central plot. The story follows Raya, played by Yash, a ruthless gangster seeking to build a vast empire through fear, power, and cunning. Set against the decaying colonial backdrop of Goa, the film explores smuggling networks, betrayal, and the price of ambition.

The synopsis reads: “Strength is not given, it is seized, and every action carries a price. As smuggling routes become battlegrounds, loyalty turns into suspicion, and fear becomes the currency for survival. In the end, Raya’s decisions prove more powerful than the consequences themselves.”

Fans on social media have already compared Raya to Yash’s iconic Rocky from KGF, describing both as ambitious, formidable, and feared.

Cast

Toxic features a star-studded ensemble with five leading ladies: Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasant. Other notable actors include Tovino Thomas, Akshay Oberoi, Darrel D’Silva, and Sudev Nair.

Release and Certification

The film is slated for release on 19 March 2026, coinciding with Eid and Gudi Padwa. It has received an 18+ adult rating in the UAE, reflecting the violent and mature content showcased in the teaser.

Budget and Box Office Expectations

With a reported budget of approximately ₹600 crore, Toxic is one of the most expensive Pan-India films. To be considered a hit domestically, it will need to earn at least ₹650–700 crore. Notably, it will clash at the box office with Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which is also being released across all five major languages of India.

Director Geetu Mohandas

Director Geetu Mohandas—born Gayatri Das in Kochi, Kerala, on 8 June 1981—has a rich filmmaking background. She debuted as a director with the short film Kelkkunnundo Are You Listening (2009) and later directed Liar’s Dice (2013), winning multiple national and international awards, including selection for the 87th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Her second feature, Moothon (2016), earned her the Global Filmmaker Award at Sundance. Toxic is her third feature film and her biggest directorial venture to date.