Introduction to a New Level of Action
While most productions in Mumbai would tone down the action, the creators of "Toxic: a fairy tale for adults" are doing the opposite – leaning into the chaos, which has so far been advertised as one of the wildest action-packed works in Indian cinema.
The Mastermind Behind the Action
At the center of this creative storm is JJ Perry, the Hollywood action architect behind the bone-crunching choreography of "John Wick" and "Fast & Furious". The stunt veteran is currently deep in a 45-day action marathon that redefines the game book for Indian cinema spectacle. What’s more, Perry, who usually compiles international dream teams of stunt specialists, has chosen to work with a completely Indian crew this time, after experiencing their skills firsthand.
A World-Class Indian Crew
"This Indian crew is world-class. That’s why I decided to work with them," says Perry. "We have a great sequence right now, and I am super enthusiastic about tackling this. It’s a challenge, but I love a big challenge – and this team hits you head-on." The currently highly anticipated sequence in production is the high point of months of meticulous pre-production work between Perry, superstar Yash (who also produces), director Geetu Mohaandas, VFX House DNEG, and producer Venkat K. Narayana.
Preparing for the Big Scene
The preparatory work reads like a masterclass in modern action filmmaking: extensive storyboarding, concise sessions, tactical samples, and creative pow-wows that aim to create an action language described by the production as "immersive, visceral, and new in Indian cinema". The Yash-Narayana combine has unlocked the massive war treasury necessary to start one of the most ambitious Indian projects recently.
A New Genre Spectacle
"Toxic" positions itself as a genre spectacle that marries Perry’s secret sensitivity with Yash’s cash magnetism and Mohaandas’ unmistakable auteur vision. After the "KGF" franchise, Yash is hot, as is Mohaandas after the Sundance title "Liar’s Dice" and the Toronto selection "Moopon". However, the filmmakers aim to elicit an emotional response that exceeds the visual fireworks.
A Fan of Indian Cinema
"I worked in 39 countries in my 35 years. I am a fan of Indian cinema – it is creative, artistic, and brave," says Perry. "Having the chance to work with Yash, Geetu, Venkat, and her incredible team was a highlight. Geetu has a great vision, and everyone, from the cameraman Rajeev Ravi to the production designer and the art team, was fantastic."
A Global Piece
The Mumbai shoot marks another industry first: "Toxic" is being made in both Kannada and English languages – a bilingual approach that is rare for a project of this size – with additional synchronized versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The strategy not only positions the film as a Pan-Indian event but as a legitimate global piece.
Combining Global Grammar with Indian Storytelling
"India’s culture is old, rich, and layered. As an American, whose culture is only a few hundred years old, it is very exciting to come here and combine the global cinematic grammar with Indian storytelling," notes Perry. "I don’t just want to repeat what was done – I want to create something unique. And ‘Toxic’ gives me this chance." The film is being produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creation.
