12082026-LSTL-01.qxd 8/11/2026 7:41 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Demi returns Life Demi Lovato is returning to Camp Rock as Mitchie Torres, with Disney confirming that the singer and actor will make a surprise cameo in the upcoming third film, just days before its premiere. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 12 AUGUST 2026 While Toxic starts a debate around the objectification of women on screen, lead actor Yash insists that the world is yet to witness the full power of Nayanthara, Kiara, Huma, Tara and Rukmini’s performances Five women & a toxic tale! Mona T OXIC: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has, so far, presents a world of unabashed excess — Yash at its centre, women in glamorous avatars, provocative imagery, high-octane action and an atmosphere steeped in sex, danger and spectacle. It is a visual language that has inevitably sparked debate around the film’s women — are they being objectified, or is the promotional material merely offering a glimpse of characters whose agency and complexity are yet to be revealed? Interestingly, the women who inhabit this world don’t quite see themselves through that lens. While the promotions may foreground glamour and the gaze, the actresses speak instead of complex characters, creative freedom and a deeply collaborative experience on set. At the trailer launch of the film in Bengaluru last week, Toxic emerged as more than just a Yash vehicle. Its women spoke about the film with a sense of ownership, camaraderie and excitement, repeatedly returning to its director Geetu Mohandas’ vision and the creative experience that brought them together. (Clockwise from top) Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi & Rukmini Vasanth Kiara: Before & after Kiara Advani says Mohandas and Yash “manifested” for her to become Nadia, seeing something in her that she herself had not yet recognised. “There’ll be a Kiara before Toxic and a Kiara after Toxic,” she says, describing the role as a “fearless leap” in her journey as an actor. Advani, who faced merciless trolling over her bold avatar in the film, deliberately kept the character under wraps, saying, “I don’t think I can describe her in one word.” For her, Nadia isn’t about the image audiences have already seen; she is about what the role demanded of her as an actor. Mysterious, enigmatic Mellisa Rukmini Vasanth plays Mellisa, a woman seemingly immersed in a world of crime, romance and betrayal. Vasanth’s take on the film focuses less on the striking avatar and more on the process of discovering the character. She credited Geetu Mohandas with constantly pushing her further, guiding her through what she called a complex role. On screen, Mellisa may be mysterious. Behind the scenes, Vasanth remembered Toxic as an exercise in creative participation. Why is Toxic Nayanthara’s favourite? Nayanthara, who usually stays away from promotional appearances, made an exception for Toxic. She said Yash’s call was enough to bring her to the event, but it was also Geetu Mohandas’ vision that made the project special. Interestingly, Nayanthara admitted she was initially hesitant about joining the film because of its large ensemble. At the launch, she warmly acknowledged the very ensemble in glowing terms, revealing how she found a friend in Huma on the sets. And her confidence in the film was unmistakable, “You’ve seen the trailer. I know it’s amazing. But you still haven’t seen the film. It’s going to blow your minds.” From Disney princess to a darker tale Tara Sutaria labelled Toxic as a collective vison! “A dream is a wish your heart makes… and it feels so fitting to Toxic and to this fairy tale that we created. I am humbled and blessed to be part of this incredible story,” she put. Toxic’s viral power Huma Qureshi, who plays Elizabeth, said the film had generated enormous curios- ity ever since she was signed on and joked that anything she said went viral, “That’s Toxic’s power!” She wasn’t giving much away about her character, “I can’t tell much about my character, you will have to watch the film, and the film will speak for itself!” There is no denying that Toxic is fundamentally positioned as a Yash film. But surrounding him are five established actors. Kiara sees Nadia as a career-defining role. Rukmini sees Mellisa as a character that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Nayanthara speaks passionately about discovering Geetu’s vision. Tara sees the film as a collective fairy tale. Huma wants audiences to stop guessing and let Elizabeth speak for herself. At the launch, superstar Yash, too, hyped his co-stars, addressing them with warmth and respect — from “sister” to “madam” — while insisting that the world is yet to witness the full power of their performances… Whether this very experimental, very edgy film does justice to its women, that remains to be seen…all eyes on silver screen on August 26! Take it easy: Adrija Roy I would tell my younger self not to worry about the future. You don’t have to rush just because everyone else seems to be moving fast. I feel today’s youth are constantly under pressure to keep up and compare their lives with others, especially on social media. We often forget that we only see a small part of someone’s life online. Social media isn’t something we can completely avoid, but we can learn to use it mindfully. Don’t compare your journey with someone else’s. ‘Don’t compare, just grow’ Trust yourself: Chaitali Kohli I would tell my younger self to stop chasing perfection. Your journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Every rejection and setback teaches you something. I think young people today face constant pressure to keep up with careers, relationships, money and social media. Focus on building your skills, taking care of your mental well-being and growing at your own pace. No hurry: Gaurav Sharma I would tell my younger self not to be in such a hurry. We often compare our journey with others and wonder if we’re falling behind, but everyone has their own timeline. There will be failures and rejections, but they don’t mean you’re not doing well. Trust the process and keep working. It’s okay to take your time. Say no: Smriti Khaannaa I would tell my younger self to love myself, believe in my worth and never be afraid to say no. We often seek validation from others, but self-respect is our biggest strength. Don’t waste time worrying about things beyond your control; use that time to learn, grow and become better. c m y b Be kind: Saanvie Tallwar I would tell my younger self not to trust people too easily. With age and experience, I’ve realised that not everyone has the same intentions. Be kind, but also be observant. Learning to be comfortable with who you are is important. Be patient: Amal Sehrawat I would tell my younger self to be patient with the process. We often want success overnight, but real growth comes from consistency, discipline and resilience. Don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Invest in your health, character and skills because those are what stay with you. HONORARY PARDO FOR ZOE Zoe Saldana received a Special Honorary Pardo at the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, celebrating her extraordinary journey that has left a mark on contemporary cinema. The actress while addressing the audience teased her wish to step into direction. SPIDER-MAN BREAKS BO Spider-Man: Brand New Day featuring Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, has become the highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time in India. The Marvel film has collected $10.6 million over the weekend for a cumulative $ 52.8 million take, overtaking the record previously held by Avatar: The Way of Water after 11 days of release. Women & one male-led universe On International Youth Day, celebrities share life lessons and advice for today’s youth On International Youth Day, celebrities open up about the lessons they have learned along the way and share thoughtful advice for today’s generation... CHAT UP (L-R) Chaitali Kohli, Smriti Khaannaa, Adrija Roy & Gaurav Sharma HASHMI NOT PLAYING MEHMOOD Emraan Hashmi has cleared the air surrounding reports of him portraying the legendary actor and comedian Mehmood. In an X post, Hashmi addressed the ongoing speculation and wrote, “Just to clarify, the reports about me playing Mehmood saab in a biopic are untrue. I haven’t been approached for the film, nor am I doing it.”