After a prolonged hiatus, Bollywood star Kiara Advani is set to return to the silver screen in a strikingly new avatar, promising audiences an experience far removed from her earlier roles. Her upcoming film Toxic has already sparked widespread excitement following the release of its first-look poster, which made a dramatic debut on social media on Sunday, 21 December. Within hours, the poster went viral, fuelling intense discussion and speculation among fans and film enthusiasts alike.
Sharing the poster on Instagram, the film’s leading man and producer Yash introduced Kiara’s character with an intriguingly cryptic caption: “Kiara Advani as Nadia — a toxic fairytale; strictly for adults.” The brief yet evocative description immediately heightened curiosity, hinting at a dark, layered narrative and a character unlike anything Kiara has portrayed before. From the very first glance, it is evident that Toxic could mark one of the most challenging and unconventional performances of her career.
In the poster, Kiara appears in a black off-shoulder gown with a daring silhouette, standing alone on a dance floor under a sharp spotlight. Her eyes reflect deep sorrow, while tears stream down her face, capturing an expression that blends pain, mystery and emotional turbulence. The shadowy setting and intense visual tone suggest themes of psychological conflict, inner darkness and unresolved trauma—elements that set the film apart from mainstream commercial fare.
The actress’s transformed look has generated an avalanche of reactions online. Many social media users have drawn comparisons between her appearance and characters from Tim Burton’s gothic universe, while others likened her to the iconic comic-book antihero Harley Quinn. Comments such as “Kiara looks terrifyingly powerful as Nadia” and “Major Lady Joker vibes!” underline the excitement surrounding her bold reinvention and the audience’s eagerness to see her embrace a darker, more intense role.
Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas and stars South Indian superstar Yash opposite Kiara Advani. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Sutharaya, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair, among others. This diverse and accomplished group of actors adds further depth and credibility to the project, reinforcing expectations of a richly layered cinematic experience.
Adding to its appeal, Toxic is a multilingual venture slated for release in six languages. The film has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, reflecting its ambition to reach a broad, international audience. If production and post-production proceed as planned, the film is scheduled to hit cinemas on 19 March 2026.
With Toxic, Kiara Advani’s return after a break appears poised to usher in a new chapter in her career—one defined by bold choices, artistic risk and a compelling transformation that audiences are unlikely to forget.