Matka review: A weak game marred by predictable scenarios and flat storytelling

Movies By Prabhatha Rigobertha Nov 15, 2024 Read the article

Four films old, director Karuna Kumar has created a niche with Palasa 1978 (2020) and Sridevi Soda Centre (2021). Both dealt with the themes of caste and class in a hard-hitting manner.

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With Matka, the director has moved out of his usual space making a gangster movie based on a real-life Matka gambler Ratan Khetri.

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The attempt to get mainstream acceptance is clearly visible. However, the movie feels like a stale leftover of other films in the same space.

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The slight freshness in Matka only comes from the gambling background and the huge dent it left on the Indian economy.

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Varun Tej in the title role has given it his all; he does a fine job of portraying Vasu’s transition from a normal young man to a Matka king.

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The supporting cast comprising of Naveen Chandra, Kishore, and Satyam Rajesh are competent but none of them stand out.

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To sum it up Matka is strictly for those who enjoy conventional gangster films.

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