The Toxic trailer launch had its share of grand visuals and applause, but when Kiara Advani took the stage, she spoke about something simpler: trust. Asked what drew her to Nadia, Kiara said the decision did not begin with her. Instead, it started with director Geetu Mohandas and Yash, believing she could play the part before she was convinced herself.
"I truly believe that Geetu and Yash manifested for me to be Nadia in this film," she said. "They saw it in me and believed I was capable of this much before I knew I was ready to take that fearless leap as an actor."
For Kiara, that faith has made the role one she expects to remember for a long time.
"Today, when I watch every little bit of our film, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Geetu, and thank you, Yash, for giving me a part that I know will be very, very special for me as an actor."
She went a step further, saying Toxic has already become a dividing line in her career.
"I think there'll be a Kiara before Toxic and a Kiara after Toxic."
The actor said working on the film has changed what she now looks for in a script. "You all have spoiled me. Every actor in this room will agree that what we've tasted is now going to make us want so much more. We're just going to be so much greedier with every film we step into."
While speaking about Nadia, Kiara chose not to reveal much about the character. "I don't think I can describe her in one word. I'm just going to let you go and experience it."
She ended by acknowledging the rest of the cast and crew, saying the experience extended well beyond her own role.
"It was such a joy to watch each one of you on screen and to work with each one of you," she said. Referring to producer Venkat K Narayana's earlier remarks, she added that "excellence was just the baseline" on the film and said she was eager for audiences to see what the team had created.
