Rukmini Vasanth Joins ‘Toxic’: First Look at ‘Mellisa’ Out

New Delhi, january 06, 2026: The anticipation for Rocking Star Yash’s upcoming magnum opus, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups, reached a fever pitch today as the makers unveiled the first-look poster of the final leading lady, Rukmini Vasanth. Stepping into the shoes of a character named Mellisa, Rukmini’s look has instantly gone viral, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the dark, stylish world crafted by director Geetu Mohandas.

A Glimpse into the World of Mellisa

Released on January 6, 2026, the poster showcases Rukmini Vasanth in a never-before-seen avatar. Dressed in a sophisticated dark teal, long-sleeved gown with a daring high slit, she is captured walking with unwavering confidence through a crowded, dimly lit setting—likely a 1960s-inspired club or party.

Unlike the vulnerability seen in her previous roles, such as in Sapta Saagaradaache Ello, the character of Mellisa exudes a “ravishing yet menacing” energy. Her sharp, focused gaze pierces through the surrounding festive chaos, signaling that she is a woman of immense power and purpose within the film’s narrative.

Director Geetu Mohandas on Rukmini’s Performance

Acclaimed director Geetu Mohandas, known for her layered storytelling, showered high praise on the actress. In a statement accompanying the reveal, she noted:

“What I admire most about Rukmini is her intelligence as an actor. She doesn’t just perform, she processes. She asks questions not out of doubt but out of curiosity. It pushes me to think deeper as a director.”

Geetu also revealed that Rukmini was often seen quietly writing in a journal between shots, building an “inner world” for Mellisa that translates into a nuanced on-screen presence.

Completing the ‘Queens of Toxic’

Rukmini Vasanth joins an elite ensemble of female leads, each representing a distinct facet of the Toxic universe. With her introduction, the primary cast for this period gangster drama appears complete:

• Nayanthara as Ganga
• Kiara Advani as Nadia
• Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth
• Tara Sutaria as Rebecca
• Rukmini Vasanth as Mellisa

The star-studded lineup confirms that Toxic is not just a high-octane actioner but a character-driven saga where each role plays a pivotal part in the unfolding “fairytale.”

Production Details and Release Date

• The Global Ambition: Toxic is breaking new ground as the first Indian film to be shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, with plans for a massive pan-India and international release.
• Action Excellence: The film features action sequences choreographed by Hollywood’s JJ Perry (John Wick) and the National Award-winning duo Anbariv.
• The Big Clash: Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on March 19, 2026. It is set for a massive box office showdown with the Bollywood sequel Dhurandhar 2.

What’s Next for Fans?

With the first looks of all major characters now out, all eyes are on January 8, 2026—Yash’s 40th birthday. Rumors suggest that the makers are planning to drop the first official teaser (or “Birthday Blaster”) on this day, which is expected to provide the first footage of the “Rocking Star” in his new role.