JJ Perry calls working with Yash and Geetu Mohandas a career highlight as he leads an all-Indian stunt team for a landmark action schedule on Toxic
While most film units would halt in their tracks during Mumbai’s relentless monsoon, the makers of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups are doing just the opposite—embracing the storm, both literally and creatively. In what is being called one of the most ambitious action schedules ever mounted in Indian cinema, acclaimed Hollywood action director JJ Perry, known for choreographing iconic sequences in John Wick, Fast & Furious, and Day Shift, is currently leading a 45-day action shoot at the heart of the film’s Mumbai schedule.
The twist? Perry, who previously brought together a team of international stunt specialists for earlier sequences, has now chosen to work exclusively with an Indian stunt crew. After observing their dedication and precision first-hand, he made the decision to put the spotlight on homegrown talent for one of the film’s most challenging set pieces.
“This Indian crew is world-class. That’s precisely why I chose to work with them,” said Perry. “We’re tackling a major sequence right now, and I’m super stoked about taking this on. It’s a challenge, but I love a great challenge—and this team is meeting it head-on. We’re here to push boundaries together—and that’s what filmmaking is.”
This crucial sequence—meticulously planned over months—is the result of a deep collaboration between Perry, lead star and producer Yash, director Geetu Mohandas, DNEG, and producer Venkat K Narayana. The pivotal partnership between Venkat K Narayana and Yash has been key in unlocking the massive budget and resources needed to mount a project of this magnitude, shaping Toxic into a landmark film and one of the boldest cinematic undertakings in recent years.
The prep included extensive story boarding, previs, tactical rehearsals, and artistic exchanges aimed at creating an action language that feels immersive, visceral, and new to Indian cinema.
Toxic promises to be a genre-defying blend of spectacle and storytelling—a vision brought to life through the convergence of Yash’s mass appeal, Geetu’s unique creative voice, and Perry’s globally honed action sensibility. At its core, however, the film also aspires to be emotionally resonant, connecting with audiences beyond the explosive visuals.
“In my 35 years of doing this, I’ve worked in 39 countries. I’m a fan of Indian cinema—it’s creative, artistic, and bold,” shared Perry. “Getting the chance to work with Yash, Geetu, Venkat and their incredible team has been a highlight. Geetu has great vision, and everyone from cinematographer Rajeev Ravi to the production designer and art team has been fantastic.”
Currently underway in Mumbai, the film marks a milestone, Toxic is the first ever large-scale bilingual film to be shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with multiple dubbed versions including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. This bold approach ensures the narrative retains its authenticity while resonating with audiences worldwide, positioning it not just as a pan-Indian release but as a global cinematic event.
“India’s culture is ancient, rich, and layered. As an American whose culture is only a few hundred years old, coming here and blending global cinematic grammar with Indian storytelling has been very exciting. I don’t just want to replicate what’s been done—I want to create something unique. And Toxic is giving me that chance.”
Jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups is a high-stakes, large-scale film that merges depth with dazzle. It is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026
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