Toxic Director Geetu Mohandas Praises Tara Sutaria's Performance In Yash's Film, Wants To 'Protect' Her Because...

As anticipation builds around Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, director Geetu Mohandas has shared an emotional and deeply personal note praising Tara Sutaria, offering rare insight into their creative

bond. With the Kannada film led by Yash already generating massive buzz due to its striking character reveals, Geetu’s words have added a new emotional layer to the conversation - spotlighting Tara’s process, presence and transformation as an actor. The exchange between director and actor has resonated strongly online, especially as Tara steps into her first action-packed role.

Geetu Mohandas feels protective towards Tara Sutaria

Taking to social media, Geetu Mohandas penned an emotional message explaining why she feels an instinctive need to 'protect Tara. She wrote, "I've always felt an instinctive love to protect Tara. Perhaps because she is a guarded soul or perhaps it's the armour she's comfortable with. And perhaps it doesn't need to be defined."She added, "I realised early on that the best way to reach her was not by pushing, not by demanding more, but by allowing her the space to simply be. That choice shaped our equation which turned out calm, deeply professional, and perfectly aligned."

Praising her, Geetu added, "She observed more than she spoke. She listened more than she revealed. And I often wondered if I should guide her more closely. But in her silence, something powerful was brewing. When she finally stepped into her performance, what emerged was nothing short of breathtaking which is born from an inner understanding she carried all along. She surprised me completely, and in the most beautiful way. I have no doubt she will surprise everyone else too. @tarasutaria I love you"Tara Sutaria responded with equal warmth and gratitude, acknowledging Geetu’s leadership and sensitivity as a director. She replied, "Geetu my dearest.. You are adored. Thank you for being the thoughtful and mindful captain you have been, and for leading this with great power and sensitivity! Your intuitive energy and guidance have been enormous in helping shape Rebecca. I love you."

Tara Sutaria as Rebecca in Toxic

The exchange comes shortly after Tara Sutaria’s first-look poster from Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups was unveiled. The poster shows Tara as Rebecca, holding a gun - an image that instantly set social media abuzz. Sporting a retro hairstyle, off-shoulder dress and gloves, Tara’s look balances glamour with quiet menace. The gun in her hand symbolises both vulnerability and authority, hinting at a layered, powerful character. Notably, this marks Tara’s first full-fledged action-oriented role.Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas and headlined by KGF star Yash, has been steadily unveiling its ensemble cast. Kiara Advani’s reveal as Nadia first drew attention with her graceful yet wounded presence. This was followed by Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth, whose old-world gothic styling added depth, and Nayanthara as Ganga, raising the stakes further with her commanding aura. Tara’s reveal now adds a fierce, stylish and emotionally complex dimension to the film.