Geetu Mohandas’ upcoming film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, is set to break new ground in Indian cinema with high-octane action and a multilingual approach. Unlike most Indian films that rely on dubbing, Toxic is being shot simultaneously in both English and Kannada—a rare move in the industry.
Directed by the critically acclaimed Geetu Mohandas, known for her work in independent cinema, this ambitious project is designed with global aspirations, aiming to connect with audiences beyond Indian shores.
Shooting a film in two languages is uncommon due to the logistical and financial challenges involved. However, Toxic joins a short list of Indian films that have attempted this approach, such as Guide (1965) and Shalimar (1978). The goal is to create an experience that feels authentic in both languages rather than a mere translation.
Mohandas has emphasised that Toxic is crafted to transcend cultural barriers while staying rooted in its storytelling. It blends artistic vision with commercial appeal, ensuring it reaches a broad audience while retaining emotional depth.
The film’s production is on an international scale, featuring Hollywood stunt coordinator J.J. Perry, renowned for his work on John Wick and Fast & Furious, handling the action sequences. Visual effects are being managed by BAFTA-winning VFX company DNEG, the team behind Dune: Part Two. These elements position Toxic as one of the most technically advanced Indian films in recent years.
Set against the backdrop of Goa’s underworld, the story explores themes of power and morality. Yash leads the cast, with Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi in pivotal roles. The film’s antagonist is played by Akshay Oberoi, marking his debut in Kannada cinema.
To maximise its reach, Toxic will also be dubbed into Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, ensuring it resonates with audiences across India. The filmmakers recently released a teaser, titled Birthday Peek, offering a glimpse into the film’s dark and intense world. Set in a shadowy club environment, the clip showcases a striking visual style complemented by music from London-based composer Jeremy Stack.
Initially slated for release in April 2025, reports suggest potential delays, though fans eagerly await further updates.
With its star power, ambitious production, and international appeal, Toxic is shaping up to be a major cinematic event that could redefine Indian filmmaking on the global stage.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.