The Background
Toaster is a Hindi comedy-thriller that premiered on Netflix on April 15. Directed by debutant Vivek Das Chaudhry, the film features Rajkummar Rao in the lead role.
The Story
Ramakant, a frugal middle-class man, is obsessed with saving money. When a wedding he and his wife (Sanya Malhotra) attended is abruptly canceled, he embarks on a bizarre mission to reclaim the expensive toaster they gifted. His relentless pursuit spirals into a series of misadventures involving accidental killings, blackmail, and eccentric neighbors.
The Good
The film’s premise has the potential to deliver a gripping crime comedy. Archana Puran Singh’s performance adds occasional impact, while the visuals and background score attempt to elevate the narrative, even though the overall execution feels flat.
The Bad
As a debut effort, Vivek Das Chaudhry struggles to balance the eccentric tone. The film introduces too many absurd characters over its two-hour runtime, diluting the core idea. What begins as an intriguing concept quickly unravels into confusion, with the narration lacking focus and momentum.
The Worse
Ramakant’s decisions often lack logical cause and effect, leading to reckless situations that endanger others. The resolution of his chaotic journey feels overly convenient and disconnected from the buildup.
Subplots involving a politician covering up personal scandals and a cop chasing a toaster with a hidden memory card sound promising on paper but fail to integrate meaningfully into the film.
Takeaway
The film’s only redeeming aspects are its central idea, Rajkummar Rao’s casting, and the neat visuals supported by decent background music.
Bottom Line
A quirky concept devolves into a patchy and exhausting dark comedy.
Rating: 1.5/5
