The makers of Toxic have begun revealing key details about the film, including its expansive star cast, in the run-up to the release. On Wednesday, Yash unveiled the first look of actor Nayanthara, who plays a pivotal character named Ganga. In the poster, she is seen holding a gun, signalling a powerful and action-driven role. The casting of Nayanthara, widely known as the “Lady Superstar” of South cinema, has significantly boosted the film’s national appeal.
Earlier, the production team also released the looks of Kiara Advani and Huma Qureshi, confirming their important roles in the film. Both actors are making their debut in Kannada cinema with Toxic. Tara Sutaria has also been cast in a prominent role, while Akshay Oberoi joins the ensemble, strengthening the film’s Bollywood connect.
Industry observers note that the casting strategy mirrors the approach that worked for Yash during the KGF franchise. While KGF (2018) established Yash as a pan-India star, KGF 2 amplified that reach by featuring Bollywood actors such as Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon. The sequel went on to collect over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, cementing Yash’s position among the country’s top box office draws.
With Toxic, Yash returns to the big screen after a four-year gap. Given his recent track record of back-to-back blockbusters, the film’s performance is being closely watched by trade analysts. A strong opening is seen as critical to sustaining his momentum as a pan-Indian star.
However, the simultaneous release of Dhurandhar 2 poses a significant challenge. The first Dhurandhar broke multiple box office records within weeks of its release in 2025, and anticipation for the sequel is already high. Trade experts warn that the clash could impact screen allocation, particularly in Hindi-speaking markets, where both films are targeting a wide audience.
As distributors finalise screen counts and advance bookings near, March 19 is shaping up to be a decisive date—one that could redefine box office dynamics for both Yash and the makers of Dhurandhar 2.
