| Name | Matka |
| Release Date | Nov 14, 2024 |
| Genre | Drama, Crime |
| Language | Telugu |
| Run Time | 154 minutes |
Synopsis
Set in Visakhapatnam between 1958 and 1982, Matka portrays the rise of Vasu (played by Varun Tej), a charismatic figure who transforms a localized gambling practice into a nationwide betting empire. The story spans 24 years, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the Matka King, a narrative loosely inspired by real events. Packed with drama, intrigue, and nostalgia, the film immerses viewers in the gritty and vibrant world of underground gambling.
The movie highlights the societal and personal repercussions of Vasu’s ambitions, weaving a tale of power, betrayal, and resilience. With a visually stunning period setting and a gripping narrative, Matka is poised to be a significant addition to Indian cinema.
Cast and Crew
Cast
- Varun Tej as ‘Matka’ Vasu
- Meenakshi Chaudhary as Sujatha
- Nora Fatehi as Sofia
- Naveen Chandra as Sahu
- Kishore as Nani Babu
- Ajaygosh as Chilla Appala Reddy
- John Vijay
- Ravishankar P as Narayana Murthy
Crew
- Director & Writer: Karuna Kumar
- Producers: Dr. Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Thalluri
- Production Companies: Vyra Entertainments, SRT Entertainments
- Cinematographer: A. Kishore Kumar
- Editor: Karthika Srinivas
- Music Director: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Matka IBomma Review
Matka showcases Varun Tej in a standout performance as the Matka King, portraying his character across various ages with finesse. His role shines, especially in the second half, where he delivers a solid act as a gangster. Despite her limited screen time, Meenakshi Chaudhary leaves an impression, while Naveen Chandra delivers a strong performance but could have benefited from more screen presence. The production design is a major highlight, bringing the bygone era to life with a realistic touch. Notable moments include an intense scene where Varun Tej’s character takes drastic action against betrayal, and Nora Fatehi impresses with her well-executed role.
However, the film suffers from a predictable and outdated storyline, with a “rags to riches” criminal arc that lacks of originality. The first half is slow and unengaging, failing to build momentum for the second half. Director Karuna Kumar struggles to maintain a grip on the narrative, and the lack of compelling thrills or high points makes the proceedings feel flat. Key characters are underdeveloped, and the conflict doesn’t carry enough weight to sustain interest. The addition of unnecessary songs in crucial moments further detracts from the pacing.
On the technical front, while the production values and art direction are commendable, the music by GV Prakash falls short, with uninspired songs and a lackluster background score. Editing in the first half could have been tighter to improve the flow. Overall, Matka is an average watch, elevated only by Varun Tej’s dedicated performance and a few decent moments, but it falls short of making a lasting impact.
Matka Budget
Matka, made on a ₹35 crore budget, showcases Varun Tej’s impressive performance as the Matka King. While the production design captures the era well, the predictable story and slow pacing make it an average watch, with Varun’s role being the highlight.
Matka OTT Details
Matka is set to be released on Amazon Prime Video, with the official release date yet to be announced.