After HIT: The First Case, Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra reunite in Toaster, a quirky comedy thriller that just dropped on Netflix. The trailer promised chaos, laughs, and a fresh concept—but the film only delivers on some of that promise.
Story: A Simple Setup That Goes Overboard
At the center is Ramakant, a painfully frugal man played by Rajkummar Rao, whose life revolves around saving every rupee. His wife Shilpa, on the other hand, pushes for a bit of dignity—and that leads them to buy a pricey toaster as a wedding gift.
But when the wedding collapses overnight, Ramakant’s obsession kicks in. He wants that toaster back. What starts as a petty concern quickly spirals into a bizarre mission, dragging the story into increasingly absurd territory. It’s a fun idea on paper, and for a while, it works.
What Works: Sharp Humour and a Strong Start
The film gets its tone right early on. The humour feels natural, not forced, and the dialogues land cleanly. There’s a steady stream of witty moments that keep things engaging, especially in the first half.
Director Vivek Das Chaudhary keeps the narrative tight initially, jumping straight into the conflict without unnecessary buildup. A few surprise cameos also inject energy just when the story risks slowing down.
Where It Slips: Repetition Takes Over
The second half is where Toaster begins to lose control. The story starts circling the same idea again and again without adding anything new. What felt fresh at the start turns predictable, and the film struggles to build toward a satisfying payoff.
Even Archana Puran Singh’s character—introduced as an interesting wildcard—ends up overstaying its arc. Her role begins with intrigue but eventually feels stretched and repetitive, weakening its impact by the climax.
Performances: Rajkummar Carries the Weight
Rajkummar Rao is the film’s biggest strength. He fully commits to Ramakant’s eccentricity, making the character both irritating and hilarious in equal measure. His comic timing keeps the film afloat even when the script dips.
Sanya Malhotra delivers a sincere performance, but her role feels underwritten. There’s not enough depth or space for her to really shine, which is disappointing given her track record.
Archana Puran Singh adds a different flavour to the film, but inconsistent writing holds her character back from becoming memorable.
Verdict
Toaster starts off as a clever, fast-paced comedy with a unique hook—but somewhere along the way, it loses focus. There’s enough humour to keep you watching, and Rajkummar Rao makes it worthwhile, but the film never fully capitalises on its potential.
It’s an easy, one-time watch—just don’t expect it to stay as sharp as it begins.
