Toby movie review: Raj B Shetty film overcomes a well-worn plot, thanks to its exceptional cast and crew

Set in Kumta which falls under the coastal district of Uttara Kannada, the film revolves around Toby (Raj B Shetty), a man with a speech impairment, and his adopted daughter, Jenny (Chaithra). However, Toby’s story deviates from the typical heartwarming father-daughter narrative due to their circumstances.

In the opening scene itself, the movie sets its tone and offers a glimpse of what lies ahead. During a gathering of believers, the oracle of God informs them that the sacrificial goat has escaped and warns them that if it returns, it will come back as Maari (the Goddess) herself. The story then shifts to the local police station where a new SI has taken charge. His interaction with constable Kushalappa is interrupted when a woman arrives and starts pelting stones at the building, claiming her father has been missing for three days. Kushalappa informs SI Sampath that her name is Jenny and she is Toby’s daughter. He leads Sampath to the records room, revealing a shelf filled with files pertaining to Toby’s cases. In his quest to find Toby, SI Sampath meets Father Iglesias, the local church priest, and others who provide insights into Toby’s uncompromising nature.

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While the plot of Toby follows a familiar revenge theme, it is the storytelling and execution that set it apart. The script, penned by Raj B Shetty himself, is filled with subtleties that make it stand out. Raj’s decision to make a speech-impaired man the protagonist is commendable, as mainstream films often lack differently-abled central characters. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of Toby’s job at the local hospital mortuary, highlighting his fearless nature as he handles corpses, and his willingness to adopt an abandoned girl found in the area adds depth to the otherwise average plot.

While the plot becomes somewhat predictable when the character of Ananda (Raj Deepak Shetty), who previously took Toby’s help to eliminate a local goon, is unveiled as the antagonist, conforming to the conventional villain characteristics, Toby manages to keep viewers engaged through its brisk storytelling pace. As the story progresses towards the climax and becomes intertwined with local myths, customs, and beliefs, Toby succeeds in delivering a rooted cinematic experience that skillfully blends human emotions and experiences with local legends. It is, however, worth mentioning here that this narrative approach has been a recurring theme in Kannada cinema in recent years.

The standout aspect of the film is Raj B Shetty’s flawless performance. Even in the complete absence of dialogues, Raj masterfully conveys all of Toby’s emotions in a captivating manner and that too without resorting to exaggeration or superficiality. Simultaneously, Chaithra delivers an outstanding performance as Jenny, ensuring that the father-daughter relationship appears both affectionate and intricate. It carries tension too, as she becomes the one suffering the consequences of Toby’s wrongful doings, mirroring how women, in general, bear the brunt of men’s actions.

Samyukta Hornad, who plays the role of Savithri, a sex worker for whom Toby develops romantic feelings, skillfully embodies her role. The script deserves praise for its treatment of Savithri, as it is never condescending to her character and allows her full agency over her choices. However, the character Ananda falls into the trope of the stereotypical rich villain, lacking uniqueness and coming across as one-dimensional.

Despite being a debut director, Basil Alchalakkal’s command over the film, including its pacing and overall execution, deserves special commendation. Even with a somewhat average plot, it’s the movie’s meticulous craftsmanship that keeps viewers engaged during its 155-minute runtime. Without making all the scenes look monotonous, like how most directors do when handling action films, Basil ensures that each scene is treated in harmony with its emotional tone. This approach allows Toby to effectively convey its emotions vividly and clearly, making for a compelling viewing experience.

Composer Midhun Mukundan has yet again proved himself a valuable asset to South Indian film industries, bringing the same level of excellence he showcased in Raj B Shetty’s own Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021) and the Malayalam film Rorschach (2022) to his work in Toby too. Through his exceptional background score and impressive soundtracks, Midhun elevates Toby into a unique cinematic piece.

Despite following a well-worn plot, Basil Alchalakkal’s Toby stands out as a memorable film, thanks to the way it has been treated. (Image: Raj B Shetty/Instagram)

Cinematographer Praveen Shriyan’s outstanding work has made a significant contribution to the film, particularly in scenes rich with intricate details, such as the climax, as well as various action sequences.

Editor Nithin Shetty has also delivered commendable work. In a poignant fight scene just before the intermission, the makers skillfully juxtaposed the action shots with Toby’s dreams of owning a house, and Nithin’s unwavering focus shines in this moment, enhancing the overall experience. The production design by Arshad Nakkoth, costumes crafted by Varsha Acharya, and the makeup artistry of Ronex Xavier all stand out.

In short, despite following a well-worn plot, Toby stands out as a memorable film, thanks to the way it has been treated.

Toby movie cast: Raj B Shetty, Chaithra J Achar, Samyukta Hornad, Raj Deepak Shetty
Toby movie director: Basil Alchalakkal
Toby movie rating: 3 stars