Marking Rocking Star Yash’s birthday, the makers of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups unveiled the film’s much-anticipated character intro tease, officially introducing Yash as Raya. The video, released amid strong anticipation from fans and the industry alike, offers a first glimpse into the central character driving the film’s narrative and tone.

Yash unveils his character Raya in Toxic with birthday reveal tease, watch

Unlike conventional birthday announcements, the character reveal functions more as a statement than a celebratory gesture. The teaser establishes Raya as a composed and commanding presence, setting the tone for what the makers describe as a darker, more uncompromising cinematic world.

Notably, Toxic was first introduced through its female cast — Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria — before the focus shifted to Yash’s character. This deliberate choice highlighted the film’s ensemble-driven approach and suggested a narrative built around multiple strong perspectives rather than a single star-led spectacle.

The newly released character intro places Raya at the centre of the story. Set in a cemetery that erupts into sudden chaos, the teaser opens with gunfire breaking the silence. Amid the smoke and confusion, Raya emerges unflinching and in control, armed with a tommy gun and moving with measured authority. The visuals underline restraint rather than excess, portraying a character defined by control, intent and quiet dominance.

From its opening frames, Toxic signals a departure from familiar genre patterns. The visual language is stark and unapologetic, reinforcing the film’s darker thematic direction. Raya is positioned not as a character seeking validation, but as a force within a volatile world.

Over the years, Yash has earned a reputation for backing projects that prioritise scale and ambition over safety. With Toxic, he continues that trajectory, taking on the roles of actor, co-writer and co-producer. The film sees him exploring more complex and layered territory, aligning with an international storytelling sensibility.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-written by Mohandas and Yash, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and other languages. The film’s technical team includes National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur, editor Ujwal Kulkarni and production designer TP Abid. Action sequences are choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), along with National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.

Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa.

Also Read:Yash announces no birthday fan meeting this year as Toxic nears completion: “We will meet in a much bigger way”