Rajkummar Rao’s latest Netflix original film Toaster has emerged as a surprise global success despite receiving mixed reactions from viewers.
The dark comedy thriller, starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, has become the most-watched non-English film on Netflix globally this week. The film’s strong performance highlights the growing reach of Indian content on the platform.
Released on April 15, Toaster tells the story of a miserly man who becomes obsessed with getting back an expensive toaster he gifted at a wedding, only to get caught in murder and chaos. The quirky plot and Rajkummar Rao’s comic timing helped the film attract curiosity clicks, especially during the long weekend in India.
However, the film has not received much praise. While some viewers enjoyed its unusual story and dark humour, many found it average. Critics were also divided, with some praising Rajkummar Rao’s performance and others calling the film underwhelming.
The film’s strong performance also reflects Netflix India’s growing monthly active user base that is over 92 million. With more people browsing the platform, even average films can get massive opening numbers through homepage promotion and algorithm-driven visibility.
Indian titles are now getting more global attention on Netflix than ever before. Toaster may not be a masterpiece, but its success shows how increased viewership and platform reach can turn even a mixed-reviewed film into a global hit.
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