Review : “Matka Vasu” Unveils Varun Tej’s Versatility in a Tale of Ambition and Turmoil!

In the vibrant yet turbulent sixties and seventies, a gambling phenomenon known as Matka gripped the working class with its promise of staggering returns. Amid limited avenues for entertainment, this underground game flourished, capturing hearts and wallets alike. Drawing inspiration from the enigmatic #MatkaKing, #RatanKhatri—whose influence mirrored a parallel economy—Matka Vasu, helmed by Telugu superstar #VarunTej, brings this captivating story to life. Recently dubbed in Hindi, the film offers a nuanced exploration of ambition, power, and the price of success.

Varun Tej steps into the shoes of Vasu, a young man who migrates to Vizag as a teenager in search of a livelihood for his struggling family. However, destiny charts a different course. A wrongful arrest leads him to cross paths with the cunning politician Nani Babu (Kishore), embroiled in a fierce rivalry with local don KB (John Vijay). Amid this chaos, Vasu devises a groundbreaking gambling game, Matka, that skyrockets him to unprecedented wealth and fame. But as the stakes rise, his burgeoning empire attracts the ire of the government, setting off a chain of dramatic events that form the crux of the tale.

Inspired by Ratan Khatri’s larger-than-life persona, the film’s narrative unfolds with a slow-burning intensity. The screenplay, though expansive, steadily builds momentum, transitioning from a character-driven first half to an incident-packed, gripping latter half. The dialogues, despite being dubbed, retain their flavor, adding layers to the storytelling.

Visually, Matka Vasu dazzles with its grand production values. The meticulous attention to Varun Tej’s transformation—courtesy of the exceptional makeup and costume departments—elevates his portrayal. From his youthful naivety to his imposing rise as a Matka king, Varun delivers a masterclass in versatility, anchoring the film with a magnetic performance.

Opposite him, Meenakshi Chaudhary shines in her limited screen time as Vasu’s wife, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. The music, while serviceable, complements the film’s mood, never overshadowing its core drama.

Matka Vasu is more than a tale of ambition; it’s a journey of reinvention, grit, and the cost of dreams. With its compelling narrative and Varun Tej’s stellar performance, the film cements his stature as a versatile actor capable of breathing life into complex characters.

Rating : ***

By Keerti Kadam