The fashion world of the upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups' has already captivated fans with its stylish first-look posters. However, the journey for the film's costume designer, Neha Bajaj, represents a significant professional leap. Known for her grounded, realistic work in projects like the hit series 'The Family Man' and 'Guns & Gulaabs', Bajaj has broken free from typecasting to craft the suave and cinematic looks for this highly anticipated period gangster drama.
From Realism to High Glamour: A Designer's Reinvention
In a recent interview, Neha Bajaj opened up about the challenges of being pigeonholed in the industry. She revealed that after establishing a strong portfolio in the realistic styling space, similar projects were the ones that consistently came her way. 'Toxic', directed by Geetu Mohandas, offered the polar opposite creative playground. Bajaj described the film's aesthetic as 'suave, stylish, and more cinematic', a stark contrast to the everyday authenticity of her past work.
'When I first met Geetu and presented my ideas, it felt personal,' Bajaj shared, emphasizing her desire to prove her versatility. She stated that the opportunity to work on a project of this scale and visual ambition is rare for a costume designer, highlighting the intense creative effort the entire team invested.
Crafting the Visual World of Toxic
The designer shed light on the specific vision for the film's lead, superstar Yash. Her goal was to instantly project the aura of a 'suave, stylish gangster' through his wardrobe, making the experience distinctly visual for the audience. The first-look posters of Kiara Advani (playing Nadia) and Huma Qureshi (as Elizabeth) have already received massive praise for their bold and glamorous appeal, hinting at the film's opulent and on-the-face tone.
Bajaj noted that the collaborative environment on set was driven by excellence, with everyone pushing their creative boundaries. 'Projects like this don't come often in a costume designer's life,' she remarked, underlining the significance of this venture in her career.
All About the Star-Studded Toxic
'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups' is a period gangster drama produced by Venkat K. Narayana. Alongside the lead trio of Yash, Kiara Advani, and Huma Qureshi, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria, Nayanthara, and Akshay Oberoi. The film is currently one of the most awaited releases in Indian cinema and is slated to hit theatres on March 19, 2026.
Interestingly, its release date sets the stage for a potential box office clash with Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2', adding another layer of anticipation for moviegoers. As the countdown begins, the revelation behind its distinctive costumes adds a new dimension to the excitement surrounding Yash's grand return to the silver screen.
