“Matka” Movie Review
From the beginning of his career, Varun Tej has carved a unique identity by choosing diverse films. However, he hasn’t had a major hit recently. In this context, he teamed up with director Karuna Kumar for the movie Matka, a period drama. Karuna Kumar, who gained acclaim with Palasa, has crafted this story hoping to deliver a hit for Varun Tej. Has he succeeded? Let’s dive into the story to find out.
Story:
Matka follows Vasu (Varun Tej), part of a refugee family that migrates from Burma to Vizag. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasu ends up committing murder and is sent to jail, where he realizes he must fight to survive. After his release, he works as a laborer in Poorna Market. When he saves his employer (Ajay Ghosh) from local goon K.B. (John Vijay), Vasu becomes a hero in the market. With support from local leader Nani Babu (Kishore), he rises in influence. Later, while attempting to start a clothing business in Mumbai, Vasu stumbles upon the idea of the matka business and gradually expands his empire nationwide, amassing half of the country’s wealth. Why did Vasu decide to start the matka business? How did he rise to become the king of this trade, and what challenges did he face along the way? To find out, you’ll need to watch the movie.
Analysis:
Stories about a poor young man rising to power are not new in Indian cinema. Many films, from classics to recent hits like KGF and Pushpa, share this theme. Matka draws inspiration from the life of Ratan Khatri, who built a matka gambling empire in Mumbai. Varun Tej, as always, has dedicated himself to his role, going beyond his previous performances, with his efforts clearly visible on screen. From the look of a young, unmarried man to that of a mature 50-year-old, he brings excellent variations to his character’s shades. Action scenes also look more natural and effortless than in his past films, and he does justice to the role.
Meenakshi Chaudhary, the female lead, has limited scope in the movie, but she delivers a decent performance within her role’s boundaries. Their romance track feels routine. Nora Fatehi makes an impression with her glamour as well as her key role. Supporting actors like Kishore, Naveen Chandra, John Vijay, Ajay Ghosh, and Satyam Rajesh do justice to their roles.
Technical Aspects:
Director Karuna Kumar has presented the film with rich visuals, though it lacks the emotional depth to connect with the audience. The second half, in particular, feels slow-paced. G.V. Prakash’s music adds value, especially the background score. E. Kishore Kumar’s cinematography and Kiran’s art direction give the film a unique look.
Conclusion:
Matka is a visually rich period film but falls short in creating an emotional connection. Overall, it’s a movie that could have been more engaging.
Bottom Line : Mega Prince Varun Tej’s One Man Show !!
Rating: 2.75/5
