J.J. Perry Leads Bold Action in Yash’s ‘Toxic’ with All-Indian Team
Filmmaker and action choreographer J.J. Perry is spearheading an ambitious production for the upcoming film “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups” in Mumbai, utilizing an all-Indian stunt team. This project is positioning itself as one of the most audacious action shoots in Indian cinema history, with a focus on pushing creative boundaries during the demanding monsoon season.
Perry, known for his work on major franchises such as “John Wick” and “Fast & Furious,” is currently engaged in a rigorous 45-day action sequence that aims to redefine cinematic spectacle in India. In a notable departure from his usual practice of assembling international teams, Perry has opted for a completely local crew, citing their exceptional skills as a key reason for this decision. “This Indian crew is world-class. That’s precisely why I chose to work with them,” he stated.
The production, which involves extensive collaboration among Perry, superstar Yash, director Geetu Mohandas, VFX house DNEG, and producer Venkat K. Narayana, has unlocked significant resources to support its ambitious vision. The meticulous pre-production phase has included detailed storyboarding, previz sessions, and tactical rehearsals, aimed at crafting an action language that is described as “immersive, visceral, and new to Indian cinema.”
Innovative Approaches and Genre-Bending Aspirations
“Toxic” is designed to be a genre-bending spectacle that combines Perry’s global action sensibilities with Yash’s commercial appeal and Mohandas’ unique artistic vision. Following the success of the K.G.F franchise, Yash is in high demand, while Mohandas has garnered acclaim for her work in films like “Liar’s Dice” and “Moothon.” The filmmakers are not only focusing on visual excitement but also aiming for emotional depth that resonates with audiences.
In Perry’s words, “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.” He praised the collaboration with the team, noting that Mohandas’ clear vision and the contributions from cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and the art team have been outstanding.
Another unique aspect of “Toxic” is its bilingual production approach. The film is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, a strategy that is rare in the industry at this scale. Additional dubbed versions will be available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, positioning the film as a pan-Indian and global endeavor.
A Cultural Fusion in Storytelling
Perry expressed his enthusiasm for blending global cinematic techniques with Indian storytelling. “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,” he remarked. His goal is not merely to replicate existing formulas but to create something distinctive and engaging.
Jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups” is set for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026. As the film progresses through its production phases, it continues to attract attention for its innovative approach to action and storytelling, marking a significant moment in the evolution of Indian cinema.
