If you thought a kitchen appliance couldn’t be the centerpiece of a high-stakes murder mystery, think again.
Vivek Daschaudhary’s latest directorial venture, Toaster, which premiered on Netflix this week, proves that even the most mundane household items can spark absolute mayhem. Starring the powerhouse duo of Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, the film is a genre-bending ride that masterfully balances suspense with side-splitting comedy.
The plot follows Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao), a hilariously unapologetic miser, and his wife Shilpa (Sanya Malhotra). The chaos begins when the couple gifts a brand-new toaster to a Guruji’s daughter, only for the wedding to be called off. In a desperate—and incredibly petty—bid to retrieve his gift, Ramakant tracks the appliance to an orphanage, inadvertently stumbling into a web of deceit, accidental deaths, and criminal conspiracies.
Performances: A Masterclass in Character Acting
The film’s greatest strength lies in its stellar ensemble cast:
Rajkummar Rao: Delivers a “King Cobra” performance. His portrayal of a man who values a few hundred rupees over his own safety is both frustrating and endearing. His comedic timing remains unmatched.
Sanya Malhotra: Spunky and brilliant, she provides the perfect foil to Rao’s eccentricity, though fans might find themselves wishing she had even more screen time.
Archana Puran Singh: In a career-defining turn, Singh sheds her “laughing judge” persona to play a character that is as shocking as it is norm-defying.
The Ensemble: Veteran actors Seema Pahwa, Upendra Limaye, Abhishek Banerjee, and a surprise appearance by Farah Khan round out a cast where every actor is “worth their salt.”
Direction and Craft
Director Vivek Daschaudhary, fresh off his success with Guns & Gulaabs, brings a sharp, eccentric vision to the screen. The writing team, led by Parveez Shaikh, transforms a simple, almost ridiculous premise into a gripping two-hour entertainer. While the second half could have benefited from tighter editing, the background score by Aman Pant keeps the tension taut and the laughs flowing.
Toaster is an absolute must-watch for those looking for a “sharp-witted entertainer” that isn’t afraid to experiment. It is a testament to how OTT platforms continue to allow filmmakers to take “giant leaps of faith” with unconventional stories.