Toast

A heartbroken young woman gatecrashes her much older ex-girlfriend's brother’s wedding, spiraling into a weekend of paranoia and self-destruction as she searches for closure but fears confronting the truth.
Film Type
Genre
LGBTQ Psychodrama
Duration
70 minutes
Language
English, Hindi
Primary Age Group
Young Adults (18-24)
Shooting Locations
Bombay
Country of Origin
India
Category

"Toast" follows the emotionally turbulent journey of Vasu, a young woman who is blindsided by a sudden breakup text from her older girlfriend and boss, Sangeeta. This shock propels her into an impulsive and ill-conceived decision to gatecrash Sangeeta's brother’s wedding at a hotel. Vasu hopes to confront Sangeeta and demand an explanation, but her resolve falters, leaving her torn between the need for closure and the fear of facing a painful truth. As she delays this confrontation, Vasu spirals into a weekend of emotional chaos.

Throughout the weekend, Vasu's attempts to distract herself from her heartache only deepen her anxiety and paranoia. She wanders through the hotel, engaging in surreal conversations with strangers and encountering bizarre situations, all while grappling with her inner turmoil. Her emotional instability manifests in nightmares and a fixation on unattainable desires, symbolized by her repeated yet unsuccessful attempts to get a simple piece of toast - a metaphor for the elusive resolution she seeks.

In the end, Vasu is forced to confront her deepest fears and accept the reality of her situation. She wrestles with the temptation to rekindle the past, alter her present, or even escape her pain through drastic means. However, in a moment of clarity, Vasu chooses to walk away, embracing her heartbreak as a necessary step toward personal growth and self-acceptance.

Languages

English, Hindi

Key Crew

Nandini Godara - Writer and Director

A versatile writer and director, Nandini has honed a unique voice that delves deep into the complexities of human behavior. Her experience spans across various forms of storytelling, including short stories published in prestigious literary magazines and her work in the advertising industry. Nandini's background in surrealism and absurdist comedy is reflected in "Toast," which combines emotional depth with a touch of the bizarre. Her previous works include the animated short House Arrest
Nandini Godara on IMDb

Krish Makhija - Cinematographer

An accomplished cinematographer with a flair for both fiction and documentary filmmaking, Krish's recent works include Afsos on Amazon Prime and Eternally Confused and Eager for Love on Netflix. His contributions to the Oscar-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers underscore his ability to capture raw, emotional narratives. Krish’s cinematography will bring Vasu’s psychological journey to life, visually representing her internal chaos and moments of clarity. 
Krish Makhija on IMDb

Amitesh Mukherjee - Editor

Amitesh is a seasoned editor with a strong background in crime thrillers and drama, having worked on acclaimed projects such as Faraaz and Scoop. His collaboration with National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta has refined his ability to craft compelling, tightly edited narratives. Amitesh’s editing will be crucial in maintaining the film’s tense, psychological atmosphere, ensuring that Vasu’s emotional journey is both engaging and immersive. 
Amitesh Mukherjee on IMDb

Momita Jaisi - Executive Producer

With a robust portfolio that includes both fiction and documentary films, Momita brings a wealth of experience in managing and producing high-quality content. Her involvement in films like Chingum and Lords of Lockdown highlights her ability to navigate diverse genres. Momita’s role in "Toast" will be instrumental in overseeing the production’s logistical and creative aspects, ensuring that the film’s vision is fully realized. 
Momita Jaisi on IMDb

Shikha Sharma - Producer

As a co-founder of Ghost Note Media, Shikha has a deep understanding of both animation and live-action production. Her work on projects like Gully Life and music videos for renowned artists demonstrates her versatility and commitment to storytelling. Shikha’s experience will be invaluable in producing "Toast," helping to balance the film’s artistic vision with practical production needs.

Shooting Locations

The film will be shot at six locations in and around Bombay, India, including a luxury hotel that serves as the primary setting. The choice of locations will reflect Vasu’s psychological state, from the chaotic energy of the wedding to the more isolated, introspective spaces she retreats to.

Budget
$800,000
Amount Raised
$300,000