Streaming giant Netflix just added a quirky, dark, and potentially chaotic title to its 2026 summer slate. Makers of the upcoming film Toaster officially announced today that the Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra starrer will premiere globally on April 15, 2026.
The film marks a significant milestone for Rajkummar Rao, as he steps into the role of producer alongside his wife, Patralekhaa, and Tarun Bali under their newly formed banner, Kampa Film. Directed by the visionary Vivek Das Chaudhary, Toaster promises to blend sharp social commentary with the kind of “murder and mayhem” that has become a staple of modern Indian dark comedies.
At the heart of Toaster lies a premise that is as hilarious as it is unsettling. The story follows a notoriously stingy man (played by Rao) who makes a rare gesture of generosity by gifting a high-end toaster to a newlywed couple. However, his “generosity” quickly curdles into an irrational, soul-consuming obsession.
Unable to let go of the expensive appliance, the protagonist finds himself stalking the newlyweds and finding absurd reasons to visit their home. What starts as a petty obsession over a kitchen gadget spirally uncontrollably into a chain of catastrophic mishaps. As the trailer (expected soon) suggests, the quest to “reclaim” or simply monitor the toaster leads to accidental deaths, criminal cover-ups, and a whirlwind of domestic mayhem.
The casting of Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra provides Toaster with immediate acting pedigree. Both actors have built reputations for excelling in “slice-of-life” stories that take sudden, dark turns.
- Rajkummar Rao: Known for his transformative abilities, Rao reportedly plays the “stingy man” with a mix of nervous energy and terrifying intensity. Fans expect a performance reminiscent of his work in Ludo or Monica, O My Darling, where he masterfully navigates the line between a victim and a villain.
- Sanya Malhotra: Playing one-half of the newlywed couple, Malhotra brings her trademark relatability and impeccable comic timing to the screen. Her character serves as the anchor of sanity in a world that is rapidly becoming “toasted” by the protagonist’s madness.
This project marks their latest collaboration, and industry insiders suggest their on-screen chemistry provides the perfect friction required for a high-stakes dark comedy.
Director Vivek Das Chaudhary makes his mark with Toaster, bringing a fresh visual language to the Netflix library. Chaudhary reportedly focuses on the “absurdity of the mundane,” turning a simple household item into a symbol of greed and psychological breakdown.
The film’s aesthetic leans into the “suburban noir” genre—bright, colourful Indian households that hide dark, messy secrets behind closed doors. By choosing a toaster as the central motif, the director highlights the trivialities that often trigger the most extreme human behaviours.
Beyond the acting, Toaster serves as the maiden voyage for Kampa Film. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have curated this project as their debut production venture, alongside Tarun Bali. By producing the content they star in, the duo joins a growing list of Indian A-listers taking creative control over their filmographies.
“We wanted to start Kampa Film with a story that felt brave, weird, and utterly human,” a spokesperson for the production house stated. “Toaster is exactly that—it’s about the small things that drive us crazy.”
As the countdown to April 15 begins, Toaster stands out as a reminder that the best thrillers often start with the smallest sparks. With Rajkummar Rao’s neurotic energy and Sanya Malhotra’s grounded performance, this Netflix original is set to turn the heat up on domestic thrillers. Just remember: if you receive a toaster as a wedding gift this year, maybe keep the doors locked.
