Matka (film) explained

Matka
Director:Karuna Kumar[1]
Based On:The life of Ratan Khetri
Cinematography:A. Kishor Kumar
Editing:Karthika Srinivas
Music:G. V. Prakash Kumar
Bhavani Rakesh (1 song)
Runtime:159 minutes
Country:India
Language:Telugu

Matka is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language period action thriller film written and directed by Karuna Kumar. It was produced by Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Talluri, under Vyra Entertainments and SRT Entertainments, respectively. It stars Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Nora Fatehi (in her Telugu cinema debut) in the lead roles.[2] [3] [4] It is based on the life of the “Matka” gambler Ratan Khetri.[5] [6]

Matka was released on 14 November 2024.[7] The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Tej's performance and criticism for the narration, and underperformed at the box office.

Premise

The story takes place between 1958 and 1982 in Visakhapatnam, based on real life incidents. It follows 24 years in the life of Vasu, a prominent Matka gambler and gangster.

Cast

Production

Filming

Varun Tej's 14th film, initially referred to “VT14”, later officially titled as Matka.[8] [9] On 27 July 2023, the muhurat shot for Matka was held in Hyderabad. The event was attended by notable film industry figures, including Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, Harish Shankar, and Maruthi.[10] [11] On 14 December 2023 the makers has announced that they have commenced Principal photography.[12]

On 23 August 2024, the filmmakers announced that an extensive action sequence featuring Varun Tej was being filmed in Kakinada.[13] The final schedule of the movie is currently underway, with key sequences being shot at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. This schedule will mark the completion of the film's entire shooting.[14] [15]

Marketing

On January 19, 2024, the makers has shared a 'Matka - Opening Bracket' glimpse from the film in celebration of Varun Tej's birthday,[16] followed by the release of the first look on 11 August 2024, showcasing Varun Tej.[17] [18]

The teaser of Matka released on 5 October 2024 at Raj Yuvraj (G3) Theatre, Vijayawada.[19] [20] [21] According to The Times of India, the film had only grossed 2.11 crore INR on its opening weekend.[22]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack and background score were composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, with a song being composed by Bhavani Rakesh. Aditya Music acquired the audio rights.[23] [24] The first single titled "Le Le Raja " was released on 14 October 2024.[25] The second single titled "Thassadiyya" was released on 24 October 2024.

Release and reception

The film was released in cinemas in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on 14 November 2024.[26] [27] [28]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu panned the film, criticising the writing as flat and cliched despite the plot's potential, but praised Varun Tej's and Chaudhary's acting and the atmosphere of the setting.[29] Similarly, B. V. S. Prakash of the Deccan Chronicle gave the film one out of 5 stars, finding the screenplay, pacing and hero-centric characterisation to be major issues.[30] Subhash K. Jha found Varun Tej's performance " exuberant" but found the film uninspired.

The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 5 December 2024 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[31]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Varun Tej - Karuna Kumar film titled 'Matka' . . 27 July 2023 .
  2. Web site: Varun Tej gears up for his action drama 'Matka' . Deccan Herald.
  3. Web site: Nora Fatehi to Make Her Telugu Film Debut with Varun Tej: Report . News 18. 26 July 2023 .
  4. Web site: Nora Fatehi's Professionalism Wins Heart! Gears up for Matka's Shoot and IIFA 2024 Performance Despite Injury. . 25 September 2024.
  5. Web site: Varun Tej Shares Matka BTS . The Telegraph (India).
  6. Web site: Matka is a biopic on Ratan Khetri . Deccan Chronicle. 17 March 2024 .
  7. Web site: Matka release date: Varun Tej exudes effortless elegance in new poster donning a retro avatar. . October 2024.
  8. Web site: Varun Tej's Pan-India Period Film #VT14 Now Titled 'Matka', Features Nora Fatehi and Meenakshi Chowdary . Outlook (Indian magazine). 27 July 2023 .
  9. Web site: 'Matka': Varun's Tej's pan-India film with Nora Fatehi gets a title . India Today. 27 July 2023 .
  10. Web site: Varun Tej, Nora Fatehi's upcoming Telugu film titled 'Matka' . Mid-Day. 27 July 2023 .
  11. Web site: Varun Tej-Karuna Kumar's Matka Officially Launched . Film Companion. 27 July 2023 .
  12. Web site: Matka begins filming . . 5 December 2023 .
  13. Web site: Varun Tej's Matka progressing its final schedule in Kakinada . . 23 August 2024 .
  14. Web site: Varun Tej's Pan India Movie Matka in Last Leg of Shooting; Film is Based on Matka King Ratan Khetri . Times Now. 13 September 2024 .
  15. Web site: Varun Tej's Matka locks a new release date, deets inside. .
  16. News: 'Matka' Opening Bracket: Makers share a glimpse of the Varun Tej starrer on his birthday . . 20 January 2024 .
  17. Web site: Matka First Look: पैन इंडिया है नोरा फतेही की नई फिल्म, नाम है मटका, जिसकी पहली झलक आई सामने . NDTV.
  18. Web site: Matka first look poster OUT: Varun Tej is all set to 'command and conquer' as 80s gangster in Karuna Kumar's directorial. . 11 August 2024.
  19. Web site: Matka teaser: Varun Tej plays an ageing Matka King; Nora Fatehi, Meenakshi Chaudhary turn heads. Hindustan Times.
  20. Web site: Matka Teaser: Varun Tej Plays a Deadly Gangster in This Period Drama, Nora Fatehi Shines Bright. . 5 October 2024.
  21. Web site: Matka teaser: Varun Tej is an invincible gangster in Karuna Kumar's action-thriller . India Today. 5 October 2024 .
  22. Web site: Varun Tej’s 'Matka' turns out to be a disaster at the box office with only Rs 2 crore collection . The Times of India . 18 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
  23. Web site: Varun Tej's Upcoming Film Matka Sells Audio Rights at Record Price. Deets Inside . News18 India. 4 September 2024 .
  24. Web site: Aditya Music Acquires Music Rights of Varun Tej's Pan India Movie Matka . Times Now. 3 September 2024 .
  25. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/le-le-raja-nora-fatehi-shows-off-her-moves-in-retro-song-from-varun-tejs-matka-watch-101728904163458-amp.html
  26. News: 'Matka' teaser: Varun Tej plays a Godfather-figure in this period actioner . .
  27. News: Varun Tej's 'Matka' gets a release date! . .
  28. Web site: Varun Tej starrer Matka set to release on November 14 . . October 2024 .
  29. News: Sangeetha. Devi Dundoo. 2024-11-18. ‘Matka’ movie review: A sincere Varun Tej cannot salvage this boring drama. The Hindu. 14 November 2024.
  30. Web site: B. V. S.. Prakash. 2024-11-18. Movie Review: Matka is a disappointing, wasted betting kingpin story. 14 November 2024. www.deccanchronicle.com.
  31. Web site: 29 November 2024 . Varun Teja starrer 'Matka' OTT details are HERE: Find out when and where to watch . The Times of India.

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