Matka review and rating: Spinning the same old wheel of predictability
Matka directed by Karuna Kumar, features Varun Tej in a period drama set between 1958 and 1982. The film revolves around Matka gambling and aims to narrate the story of Vasu, a refugee who rises to power. Despite an interesting premise, Matka struggles with a lack of depth, resulting in a cliched gangster film. Let’s take a closer look.
Plot
The story follows Vasu (Varun Tej), a refugee who moves to Visakhapatnam with his mother in 1958. After being imprisoned for murder, Vasu transforms into a fearless fighter and later a powerful gangster. His involvement with Matka gambling propels him to become the Matka King. The film chronicles his journey, from his rise to power to the consequences that follow.
Performances
Varun Tej tries to embody the role of Vasu with dedication, but he appears too young and unconvincing as a seasoned gangster. Despite his effort to portray different stages of Vasu’s life, the lack of strong character development limits his performance. Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role adds little to the film, while Nora Fatehi, in her first full-length role in Telugu cinema, performs well in her limited screen time and delivers an enjoyable dance number. Kishore, Naveen Chandra, Ajay Ghosh, and others perform adequately in their respective roles but are overshadowed by weak writing.
Technical Aspects
GV Prakash Kumar’s music, while promising in parts, fails to leave a lasting impression. The background score feels loud and doesn’t elevate the film’s emotional moments. However, the cinematography by the team captures the vintage settings and provides a sense of nostalgia. The editing could have been more precise, as the film feels disjointed at times. On a positive note, the production design successfully recreates the 1950s-1980s, adding authenticity to the film’s period setting.
Analysis
Matka promises a period drama but falters with its predictable narrative and lack of fresh ideas. The film retreads familiar gangster tropes without adding any real innovation. Vasu’s journey from a common man to a crime lord is told through a series of cliched episodes, which fail to grip the audience. The film doesn’t invest enough in character development, and the protagonist’s rise feels rushed, leaving no emotional connection for the viewer. The second half picks up slightly, with some engaging sequences about Matka gambling and the involvement of authorities, but these moments are few and far between. The climax returns to the usual action formula, offering nothing new.
Verdict
Matka is a visually appealing film with vintage aesthetics, but it lacks the emotional and narrative depth to make an impact. The performances, though sincere, are let down by poor writing and unoriginal storytelling. Fans of Varun Tej may find his effort commendable, but the film as a whole leaves much to be desired.
Bottom Line: Vintage Looks, Outdated Storytelling
Rating
1/5
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