What’s it about?
Vasu’s (Varun Tej) ambition is fueled by hunger and poverty. Following a confrontation with a local don, Vasu attracts the notice of Nani Babu (Kishore), a regional politician. With his assistance, Vasu ventures into the ready-made clothes industry, followed by other minor businesses.
During his visit to Mumbai for work, he observes individuals engaged in a gambling game that prompts him to create the ‘Matka’ gambling game. He rapidly turns into an enterprise and nationwide business. However, one person’s deceit alters Vasu’s life and costs him dearly in his personal life.
What actions will Vasu undertake subsequently?
Analysis
“Matka,” directed by Karuna Kumar, known for “Palasa,” centers on Vasu, played by Varun Tej, detailing the ascent and decline of this gambler driven by avarice and a desire for money. Varun Tej’s character was inspired by Ratan Khatri’s life. Ratan Khatri proposed the idea of setting opening and closing prices for imaginary goods and playing cards inside a matka, an earthen vessel. It was the most popular (illegal) gambling game in the 1960s and 1970s in India.
Aside from this segment, the film lacks any elements that appear or resonate as innovative or captivating. “Matka” is a quintessential narrative about a destitute individual who transforms into a mafia don or a king of gambling. A multitude of films using these formulaic stories have come in recent times. Films like “KGF” and “Pushpa” have recently popularized the narrative of a don’s ascent. In this film, neither the narrative nor the protagonist’s persona is relatable, positively or negatively.
Even if the hero has negative traits, the narrative has to be compelling. This film fails to meet this requirement. The film commences with a conventional portrayal of the hero’s childhood and thereafter illustrates his ascent, his camaraderie with a politician, and his romantic endeavors. After one hour, we observe the key aspect of “matka” gambling. Again, after twenty minutes, the film turns into another classic tale of revenge. The ‘Matka’ game lasts little more than twenty minutes.
Thus, it becomes a formulaic story of a don, adding nothing much. To add a unique element to the hero’s actions, the director incorporated a monologue sequence in which he explains to his daughter through a parable why he became a don. However, by that point, we have completely lost interest in the movie. The film’s ending is even more boring than expected.
Other than Varun Tej’s character, none of the characters have a proper arc or worth. As an actor, Varun Tej has given his best. His acting is superb. His efforts are visible. His dialogue delivery is also impressive. Meenakshi Chaudhary gets a forgettable character. Nora Fatehi in a negative role is impressive. Among other actors, Kishore is good.
Technically, the film benefits hugely from the production design and production values. The high production values at Vyra Entertainment and SRT Entertainment are evident throughout. The production design provides authenticity. Cinematographer A Kishor Kumar also lends his creative value to the movie. GV Prakash Kumar’s music misfires totally. Editor Karthika Srinivas’s editing lacks precision.
Bottom line: “Matka” is a formulaic tale of an ordinary guy ascending to the status of a don. The gambling element in ‘Matka’ adds no value to the stereotypical narrative. Although Varun Tej delivers a strong performance, director Karuna Kumar’s uninspired storytelling and monotonous screenplay render it a tiresome experience.
Rating: 2.25/5
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Matka
Cast: Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Nora Fatehi, Naveen Chandra, Saloni Aswan, Kishore, and others
Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar
DOP: A. Kishor Kumar
Editor: Karthika Srinivas
Production Designer: Kishor Kumar Manne
Stunts: Vijay, Ram Sunkara, Nikhil
Produced by: Vijender Reddy Teegala, Rajani Talluri
Written and Directed by: Karuna Kumar
Release Date: November 14, 2024
