Long before Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups reaches theatres, its first song has already done something every filmmaker hopes for. It has started a conversation.
Released as the film’s first single, “Tabaahi” introduces audiences to the dark, seductive world imagined by director Geetu Mohandas. Featuring Yash and Kiara Advani sharing screen space for the first time, the music video combines romance, sensuality, and striking visual aesthetics against the backdrop of what promises to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious gangster dramas. Composed and sung by Vishal Mishra, with lyrics by Raj Shekhar, the song has been released in multiple Indian languages, reflecting the film’s pan-Indian ambitions. The visuals immediately grabbed attention.
From intimate choreography to lingering close-ups and glamorous styling, Tabaahi embraces sensuality in a way that is uncommon for mainstream Indian commercial cinema. While many viewers praised the chemistry between Yash and Kiara Advani, others argued that the song leaned too heavily into erotic imagery. On social media, some users even described the visuals as resembling “soft porn,” while others questioned whether the intimacy was necessary for promoting the film.
Yet an equally vocal section of the audience came to the film’s defence.
Many viewers argued that Indian audiences have historically been more comfortable watching graphic violence than expressions of intimacy. They pointed out the irony that scenes involving bloodshed often escape scrutiny, while sensual storytelling immediately attracts criticism. Similar conversations emerged following the film’s teaser earlier this year, with members of the creative team noting this apparent double standard in audience reactions. Beyond the debate surrounding its visuals lies perhaps the film’s greatest source of intrigue.
Toxic is not just another gangster saga.
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, the film promises to tell a sprawling mafia story through a distinctly female creative lens. Gangster films have traditionally been shaped by masculine perspectives, often glorifying violence, revenge, and power. Mohandas’ approach has generated considerable curiosity because it suggests that the emotional, psychological, and interpersonal dimensions of organized crime may receive equal importance alongside the action.
The film itself boasts an ensemble cast featuring Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. Positioned as a period gangster drama set against the backdrop of Goa’s criminal underworld, Toxic has been mounted on a massive scale, with global distribution plans reflecting its ambition to reach audiences far beyond India.
Director Geetu Mohandas has long been admired for bringing emotional complexity to her storytelling, and several collaborators have spoken about her distinctive creative vision. Actress Huma Qureshi, who stars in the film, recently described working with Mohandas as an extraordinary experience, praising the filmmaker’s uncompromising artistic voice and suggesting that Toxic would leave audiences “shaken.”
Whether viewers admire Tabaahi for its aesthetics or criticise it for pushing boundaries, one thing is undeniable. People are talking.
And in today’s crowded entertainment landscape, generating genuine discussion before a film’s release is no small achievement.
If Tabaahi is any indication, Toxic is unlikely to be remembered merely as another gangster film. It is already positioning itself as a project willing to challenge conventions, provoke debate, and ask uncomfortable questions about how audiences perceive violence, desire, and storytelling on screen.
Sometimes the loudest conversations begin long before the opening credits roll.
