Director: Vivek Daschaudhary
Rating: ***
Fresh out of the oven, Toaster premiered on Netflix today, April 15, 2026. Directed by Vivek Daschaudhary and produced by Rajkummar Rao alongside Patralekhaa, this film is a quirky addition to the dark-comedy genre that dominates the current OTT landscape.
The Story & Script
The narrative is delightfully absurd. Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao) is a man whose frugality is a personality disorder. When a wedding he gifted a ₹5,000 toaster to ends in a divorce, he doesn't offer sympathy—he demands the toaster back.
The script by Vivek Daschaudhary takes this petty obsession and spirals it into a high-stakes crime caper. The toaster accidentally becomes a piece of evidence in a murder case, forcing Ramakant to navigate a web of blackmail, clumsy criminals, and a very suspicious landlady. While the first half is sharp and genuinely funny, the writing in the second half gets a bit "over-toasted," trying to pack in too many subplots that dilute the central dark humor.
Direction & Screenplay
Vivek Daschaudhary treats the mundane object with the reverence of a "MacGuffin" in a Hitchcock film. The screenplay is fast-paced, utilizing the cramped, middle-class interiors of Mumbai to create a sense of claustrophobia. However, the tonal shift toward the climax—moving from slapstick to a slightly heavy-handed murder mystery—feels a bit jarring, as if the director couldn't decide between Ludo and Andhadhun.
Performances
Rajkummar Rao: As Ramakant, Rao is in his element. He plays the "unlikable" miser with such earnestness that you find yourself rooting for his pettiness. His physical comedy, especially when trying to hide the bulky toaster, is top-notch.
Sanya Malhotra: Playing Shilpa, Sanya brings a calm, observant energy to the chaos. While her role is slightly underwritten compared to Rao’s, her deadpan delivery provides some of the film's best laughs.
Abhishek Banerjee: Once again, Banerjee proves he is the king of quirky supporting roles. His "offbeat" character adds a layer of unpredictable menace to the story.
The Veterans: Archana Puran Singh (as Mrs. Pherwani) and Seema Pahwa are absolute delights, though the script occasionally wastes their potential on repetitive "loud" comedy.
Music & Technical Craft
The background score is playful, often using metallic, mechanical sounds to remind us of the toaster’s presence. The cinematography uses a "warm, slightly charred" color palette—deep oranges and browns—which perfectly fits the film’s title and mood.
Final Verdict
Toaster is a brave, experimental comedy that succeeds because of Rajkummar Rao’s relentless commitment to the bit. It’s a "snackable" movie—perfect for a mid-week binge. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of a "perfectly golden" comedy, it’s far from being a total burn.
