Matka Movie Review: A Predictable Gangster Drama with Missed Opportunities

Cast: Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Nora Fatehi, Kishore, Ajay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra, and others

Director: Karuna Kumar

Producers: Vijender Reddy Teegala, Rajani Talluri

Banner: Vyra Entertainments, SRT Entertainments

Music: GV Prakash Kumar

Varun Tej collaborates with Palasa 1978 director Karuna Kumar for Matka, a period drama inspired by the notorious Matka gambler, Ratan Khetri. Spanning 1958 to 1982, the film sees Varun Tej sporting various vintage looks. Matka also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi in pivotal roles. Following his last success with F3, Varun Tej hopes to recreate the magic with Matka. The trailer generated interest; let’s see if the film lives up to it.

Story Overview

Set in 1958, the story follows Vasu (Varun Tej), a refugee who moves to Visakhapatnam with his mother. After a series of events lands him in jail, Vasu transforms into a fierce fighter and later a powerful gangster driven by a desire for wealth. The film traces his journey to becoming the "Matka King" and explores the consequences that follow.

Performances

Varun Tej goes to great lengths to embody his character’s look, but he lacks the maturity to fully convince as a gangster. Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role feels underutilized, offering little substance. Nora Fatehi, appearing in a Telugu-speaking role for the first time, performs well in her limited screen presence and has a captivating dance sequence.

Supporting actors Kishore, Naveen Chandra, Saloni, Ajay Ghosh, and Ravi Shankar do their part, though the roles are mostly one-dimensional.

Technical Aspects

GV Prakash Kumar’s background score is often overpowering, detracting from key scenes, though the songs "Le Le Raja" and "Tassadiya" are visually appealing. The screenplay and direction are straightforward, offering few surprises, and the vintage production design feels authentic. Varun Tej’s aged look in the latter part of the film, however, comes across as forced.

Pros

Authentic vintage look and style

Interesting Matka gambling sequences

Cons

Predictable, outdated storyline

Clichéd, uninspired narration

Lack of thrilling or high-stakes moments

Weak background score

Shallow character development

Analysis

Matka follows a familiar template of a man’s rise from obscurity to power but offers little originality or depth. The story’s pacing is sluggish, with familiar scenes that add little excitement. Despite Varun Tej’s varied appearances to depict Vasu’s transformation, the lack of engaging storytelling and character depth makes the journey feel repetitive and uninspired.

In the second half, there are brief moments of intrigue as we see the Matka gambling operations and CBI intervention, but these are short-lived as the plot reverts to familiar tropes like predictable kidnappings and formulaic confrontations. Songs and action sequences reinforce the "vintage" feel of the film but fail to elevate it from mediocrity.

Matka may remind viewers of recent blockbusters with similar gangster arcs, but it falls short of delivering suspense, impactful music, or strong antagonists. It’s ultimately a standard commercial film with few surprises and a predictable end.

Verdict

Matka is a predictable period drama with conventional storytelling and limited emotional impact. Despite an interesting premise, the execution is disappointing.

Bottom Line: A Missed Gamble.

Rating: 2/5