I had to lose self respect in Congress – Danam Nagendar

Filmmaker Geetu Mohandas is generating significant buzz with her upcoming film Toxic, challenging long-held perceptions about who can tell bold, unconventional stories on the big screen. The film’s teaser has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion for its striking visuals, intense tone, and daring storytelling.

Many on social media have drawn comparisons between Geetu Mohandas and filmmakers known for pushing creative boundaries, pointing out that Toxic showcases a style rarely associated with women directors in mainstream Indian cinema.

Producer Lagadapati Sridhar believes the teaser has exceeded expectations and created tremendous anticipation for the film.

“The teaser and promotional content have created a huge impact online. Despite attracting trolls and mixed reactions, the response has been phenomenal, making it one of the most-watched teasers in recent times,” he said.

Sridhar also praised Geetu’s filmmaking style, attributing the film’s visual richness and emotional depth to her background as an actor and her collaboration with cinematographer husband Rajeev Ravi.

He further noted that the film’s female leads—Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth, and Nayanthara—are portrayed as strong, confident, and independent characters, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Another major talking point has been Yash’s portrayal in the film. According to Sridhar, the superstar has attempted a bold and emotionally intense role unlike anything he has done before, which has further amplified the excitement surrounding the project.

At the same time, Sridhar emphasized that filmmaking should never be judged based on gender.

“A film should be evaluated for its vision, storytelling, and execution. Creativity is not defined by whether the director is a man or a woman,” he said.

Echoing similar views, actor-director Jeevitha Rajasekhar stated that women filmmakers are fully capable of handling every genre, including action, thrillers, and intense dramas.

She believes the film industry is gradually becoming more inclusive and hopes that the success of directors like Geetu Mohandas will inspire more women to pursue filmmaking and explore diverse storytelling styles.

With its bold promotional campaign and growing anticipation, Toxic has already emerged as one of the most talked-about upcoming Indian films, while Geetu Mohandas is earning praise for bringing a fresh and fearless cinematic voice to the industry.