*Matka*, directed by Karuna Kumar, is a Telugu film inspired by the life of Ratan Khatri, the ‘matka king,’ who popularized a form of gambling in India.
The protagonist, Vasu (played by Varun Tej), begins his journey as a refugee and a juvenile delinquent, eventually rising to power through gambling.
While Vasu’s moral complexity and his relationship with Sujatha (Meenakshi Chaudhary) show promise, the film rushes through these aspects in favor of gambling-focused drama.
The supporting cast, including Satyam Rajesh, Ajay Ghosh, and Nora Fatehi, fail to make an impact.
The period setting, references to historical events like the Emergency and demonetization, and the music (by GV Prakash Kumar) do little to elevate the flat storyline.
Ultimately, *Matka* ends up as a lackluster tale of ambition and survival, lacking the depth and intrigue of similar gangster dramas.