Kiara Advani preps with global artists for never-seen Cirque act in Toxic

Kiara Advani is set to make her return to cinema this year with her role in Geetu Mohandas’ upcoming film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, which stars Yash in the lead. The film’s teaser was launched on Thursday to coincide with Yash’s birthday, and it offered the first glimpse of his character alongside introductory looks at the five female leads, including Advani. Notably, Kiara’s character is introduced in a circus-themed environment, a choice that has drawn attention and curiosity from audiences and industry insiders alike.

The context for this distinctive introduction has now been clarified by sources close to the production. Kiara plays an acrobat in the film, and her sequences are set within a circus-like setting. According to a production source, the intent was to present a "visual that has not been seen before in Indian cinema". In preparation, Kiara worked closely with international performers, ensuring authenticity and innovation in her portrayal.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups features a cast that includes Yash, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Kiara Advani. The film



is bilingual, with simultaneous shoots in Kannada and English. Kiara’s character, Nadia, underwent significant preparation, as noted by the team: "Sources tell us that the actor underwent extensive training with an international team for the role."

For her performance, Kiara trained for a Cirque du Soleil-inspired act, a first for mainstream Indian cinema. International artists collaborated not only to train Advani but also to design and rehearse the act. The aim was to achieve a "visual that has not been seen before in Indian cinema, to make it at par with global scale and give a cinematic experience."

The physical demands of the role were considerable, and Kiara has publicly referred to it as her most challenging part to date. "Kiara has previously described her role in Toxic as her ‘toughest one yet’."

Further details about the character reveal an emphasis on strength and presence. According to sources, "Kiara’s character is said to be fearless, raw and intoxicating, blending grace, strength and intensity, making her screen presence powerful in the film," highlighting the expectations surrounding her performance.