Matka (2024) Movie Review: An Ambitious Period Drama That Falls Short

Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Genre: Action Drama
Release Date: 14th November 2024

Cast: Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Nora Fatehi, Kishore, Ajay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra
Director: Karuna Kumar
Producers: Vijender Reddy Teegala, Rajani Talluri
Production Banners: Vyra Entertainments, SRT Entertainments
Music: GV Prakash Kumar

The much-anticipated Matka, directed by Karuna Kumar, explores the underworld of gambling through the life of a Matka gambler, Ratan Khetri. The film spans from 1958 to 1982, giving Varun Tej a wide range of vintage looks to match his character’s evolution. With expectations high due to Varun Tej’s previous hit F3 and Karuna Kumar’s successful Palasa 1978, Matka comes with an intriguing storyline. But does it meet the high bar set by the trailer? Let’s find out in this detailed review.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of Vasu (Varun Tej), a refugee who arrives with his mother in Visakhapatnam in 1958. From a young age, Vasu is drawn to the thrill of danger and power, and a tragic incident lands him in prison. After serving his sentence, he emerges with a hardened spirit, determined to rise as a prominent figure in the gambling world.

As Vasu immerses himself in the Matka gambling industry, he steadily climbs the ranks, becoming known as the “Matka King.” However, the pursuit of power is never without its challenges, and Vasu finds himself facing betrayal, corruption, and the looming threat of law enforcement as his ambition brings him face-to-face with dangerous adversaries.

Also Read: Telugu OTT Releases This Week: A Look at the New Movies and Web Series Available to Watch Online

Performance Analysis

• Varun Tej: He has visibly put effort into his appearance and portrayal of Vasu. From rugged, youthful looks to aged, hardened gangster, Varun’s transformation is commendable. However, his youthful demeanor at times clashes with the maturity expected of a seasoned gangster, affecting the believability of his role.
• Meenakshi Chaudhary: As Vasu’s love interest, her role is somewhat underwhelming. Though her character appears as a consistent presence, her impact on the narrative is limited, leaving her role feeling one-dimensional.
• Nora Fatehi: Known for her dance numbers, Nora steps into a role in Telugu cinema for the first time. While she does well in her scenes, her presence is more ornamental than integral. Her dance number, however, adds a spark to the film.
• Supporting Cast: Kishore, Naveen Chandra, Saloni, Ajay Ghosh, and Ravi Shankar play their parts well, though their roles are more functional than impactful, adding minimal depth to the storyline.

Technical Aspects

The film’s technical elements are commendable, particularly in their attempt to recreate the 1950s to the 1980s era.

• Cinematography: The visuals are rich and authentic, capturing the look and feel of the vintage period with well-crafted set pieces and costume design.
• Music: GV Prakash Kumar’s background score is louder than necessary and often detracts from the scenes rather than enhancing the mood. The songs Le Le Raja and Tassadiya add entertainment value, though they don’t contribute significantly to the storytelling.
• Screenplay: Unfortunately, the film’s screenplay lacks the depth and intrigue one might expect from a director like Karuna Kumar, known for his storytelling prowess in Palasa 1978. The pace is slow, and the plot often feels predictable, with little to surprise the audience.

Positives

• Authentic Period Setting: The detailed props, costumes, and settings make the movie’s vintage atmosphere feel real and engaging.
• Matka Gambling Insights: Some interesting scenes reveal how the Matka game operates, providing a rare look into this lesser-known world.

Negatives

• Overused Story Elements: The “rags to riches” gangster story has been done many times before, and Matka brings little new to the genre.
• Predictable Narration: The film’s storyline and character arcs lack the twists and suspense that could have made it more engaging.
• Weak Background Music: The soundtrack fails to enhance the emotional tone, often coming across as distracting.
• Shallow Character Development: The film does not dig deep into the motivations or transformations of its main characters.

In-Depth Analysis

Matka takes on a classic storyline, depicting the rise of a man from humble beginnings to a powerful position in the crime world. While this premise has potential, the execution falls short. Instead of taking creative risks or exploring fresh angles, the film plays it safe, relying on familiar plot points and predictable scenes.

The first half focuses heavily on Vasu’s initial struggles and desire for power. However, these scenes are too straightforward, lacking the intensity that would make the audience empathize with or root for the protagonist. The pace is slow, with each sequence feeling like a rehashed version of scenes from similar gangster films. By the time Vasu reaches the peak of his power, the audience has seen every trope the film has to offer, from betrayal to ambition-fueled conflicts.

The second half brings minor changes, mainly revolving around the operational aspects of Matka gambling. While there are some interesting sequences involving the CBI investigation, the plot quickly shifts to a formulaic climax. The kidnapping, the final showdown, and the pre-climax song all contribute to the film’s old-fashioned storytelling, which ultimately lacks originality.

Comparisons to Recent Blockbusters

Recent successful films have explored similar stories of men rising to power. However, they stood out due to tight scripting, memorable music, and thrilling sequences. Matka lacks these elements. There are no climactic twists, high-energy background scores, or gripping character arcs to elevate the film.

Also Read: The Iconic Kiss in Raja Hindustani: Behind the Scenes of Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor’s Memorable Scene

Final Thoughts

Matka set out to tell a compelling story of a man rising to power, but it falls flat in several areas. While Varun Tej puts in a sincere effort, and the film excels in its period details, the lackluster screenplay, unremarkable character arcs, and clichéd plotline prevent Matka from reaching its potential. Karuna Kumar’s direction does not capture the gritty charm or suspense he brought to Palasa 1978, leaving Matka as a relatively forgettable addition to the gangster drama genre.

In conclusion, Matka is a movie that shines in aesthetics but falters in storytelling. For Varun Tej fans, his transformation is worth a watch, but for others, the movie offers little that hasn’t been seen before.

Verdict: Matka misses the mark, presenting a vintage gangster story without the intensity or innovation needed to captivate modern audiences.