Released on November 14, 2024, Varun Tej’s latest cinematic endeavor, “Matka,” combines the gritty essence of a gangster period drama with a narrative steeped in the classic rise-to-power trope. Directed by Karuna Kumar, known for his previous work in “Palasa,” the film attempts to narrate a compelling story set against the backdrop of Visakhapatnam between 1958 and 1982. Focusing on the character of Vasu, played by Varun Tej, the plot unfurls the transformation of an impoverished individual into a formidable gambling kingpin, known as the “King of Matka.”
“Matka” positions itself in a genre that holds significant potential for compelling storytelling; however, it falls victim to the common pitfalls of predictability. The film’s storyline, while engaging in concept, is marred by a lack of originality and depth. Critics have pointed out that while the historical context and nostalgic visuals present a vivid image of the era, the narrative increasingly becomes formulaic and fails to present any unexpected turns. Furthermore, while Varun Tej’s performance has received commendations for its authenticity and transformation into the character of Vasu, many have noted that even solid acting cannot fully salvage an underwhelming screenplay.
Visually, “Matka” receives praise for its meticulous attention to period-specific aesthetics. The cinematography, handled by Kishor Kumar, effectively captures the essence of a bygone era, employing retro styles and rich color palettes to evoke a sense of nostalgia. This artistic endeavor is complemented by G.V. Prakash Kumar’s music, which, while fitting, does not elevate the film to the heights of its potent themes. The production efforts by Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Talluri have demonstrated promise, yet it appears that the engaging visuals alone cannot compensate for the lack of innovation in the storytelling.
Despite the anticipation before its release, “Matka” struggled at the box office, facing stiff competition from notable titles released around the same time, including “Kanguva” and festive hits like “Lucky Bhaskar.” Mixed reviews plagued the film, suggesting a lukewarm reception that ultimately expedited its release on Amazon Prime Video by mid-December 2024. The decision to prioritize an OTT release underscores a trend where films with underwhelming theatrical performances pivot quickly to streaming platforms to recapture audience attention.
“Matka” exemplifies both the challenges and complexities inherent in creating a period crime drama. While it artfully encapsulates a turbulent historical backdrop, the film struggles to rise above its narrative limitations. Varun Tej’s commendable performance and the appealing visual style may attract viewers, but unless audiences seek mere aesthetic pleasure over engaging storytelling, “Matka” serves as a poignant reminder of how critical narrative innovation is essential in the realm of cinema. As the film prepares for its Prime Video debut, it remains to be seen whether it can carve out a secondary narrative space in the streaming world that it failed to achieve in theaters.