Action is one of the major attractions in Yash-starrer Toxic, with the film bringing together elaborate set-pieces, unconventional weapons and a distinct visual language for its fights. Hollywood action director and stunt choreographer JJ Perry, who has designed the action for the Geetu Mohandas directorial, has now shared a behind-the-scenes video that offers a glimpse into the making of these sequences, released by KVN Productions. The film produced by KVNProductions and Monster Mind Creations released on August 26.
Perry speaks particularly about the fight staged inside a circus camp, describing it as a “very different challenge”. Rather than relying on specially designed weapons, he says he prefers to incorporate objects available on-site into the choreography. A circus, with its assortment of props, naturally gave him plenty of possibilities to explore.
“When you’re doing a fight in a circus camp, I was very excited about the props,” Perry says.
He also credits Geetu Mohandas for being closely involved in developing the action. Perry notes that directors often leave fight choreography largely to the stunt team, but Geetu took a different approach. She was part of the discussions, offered a clear creative direction and, at the same time, gave the action team the freedom to execute their ideas.
Perry describes the collaboration between Geetu and Yash as particularly effective, calling them “an amazing team” and saying that working with them was a wonderful experience.
His praise for Yash, however, goes beyond the actor’s physical abilities. Perry describes him as someone genuinely interested in cinema and says Yash contributed new ideas during the making of the action sequences.
“He doesn’t just act; he shared a lot of new ideas with us,” Perry says, highlighting the actor’s dedication to the physically demanding shoot.
Perry also praises Yash’s preparation, strength and screen presence, pointing to the “swag” in his walk and stance as something that naturally enhances his action persona.
The international fighters featured in the ‘Ladies and Ladies’ sequence echo the sentiment, calling Yash “awesome” and “super”.
Perry’s insights offer a peek at how Toxic is attempting to make its action sequences as distinctive as its world.
