Sandeep Reddy Vanga Hails Toxic Teaser, Says ‘Knocked Me Out’

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga Joins the Frenzy Over ‘Raya’s’ First Look; Period Gangster Drama Set for March 2026 Release

January 8, 2026: The internet went into a meltdown on Thursday, January 8, as the makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups released the first official teaser to celebrate Kannada superstar Yash’s 40th birthday. While fans were busy trending “Daddy Is Home,” the teaser received its ultimate “alpha” seal of approval from Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Vanga, known for his own brand of high-octane, stylized cinema, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his awe. “TOXIC teaser just knocked me out. Style. Attitude. Chaos. Happy Birthday, Yash,” he wrote, signaling that the Geetu Mohandas directorial has hit the right chords with industry heavyweights.

The “Raya” Reveal: Guns, Cigars, and Gritty Ambience

The teaser, titled “The Tease,” offers a haunting introduction to Yash’s character, Raya. Set against the somber backdrop of a cemetery, the visuals transition from a quiet funeral to a burst of violent chaos.

The introduction of Raya is nothing short of iconic:

• He steps out of a car, shirtless, before donning a sleek black overcoat.
• With a cigar in one hand and a gun in the other, he delivers the bone-chilling line: “Daddy’s home.”
• The sequence hints at a sophisticated yet brutal gangster, navigating a drug cartel-infested Goa of a bygone era.

Goa’s Dark Underbelly: The Synopsis

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic is described as a period gangster drama set in the coastal haven of Goa. Beneath the picturesque beaches lies a sinister underworld where a powerful drug cartel pulls the strings. The film aims to deconstruct the “glamorous” life of a gangster through a gritty, “fairy tale” lens designed strictly for adults.

A Global Production with a Powerhouse Cast

Produced by KVN Productions and Yash’s own Monster Mind Creations, the film is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English. It boasts a massive ensemble cast that includes:

• Yash as Raya
• Nayanthara as Ganga
• Kiara Advani as Nadia
• Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth
• Tara Sutaria as Rebecca
• Rukmini Vasanth as Melissa

Release Date and Box Office Clash

Following production delays from its original 2025 window, Toxic is now confirmed for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026. The date sets up a monumental box office clash with Aditya Dhar’s highly anticipated actioner, Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge, coinciding with the festive periods of Eid and Ugadi.