Hyderabad:Varun Tej's latest film Matka, released today on November 14, has sparked a buzz across social media, especially after the actor's previous film Operation Valentine didn't make much of an impact. This time, the expectations are high, as Matka is being lauded for its intense performances, vintage period setting, and action-packed narrative. Directed by Karuna Kumar of Palasa 1978 fame, the film is said to be based on a real-life incident, focusing on the rise of an underdog in the world of gambling, inspired by the life of Ratan Khatri.
The movie hit theaters alongside the big-budget fantasy drama Kanguva starring Suriya and Bobby Deol. In the film, the story revolves around Varun Tej's character Vasu, whose larger-than-life journey spans 24 years from 1958 to 1982. The actor's physicality and screen presence have earned praise, with many noting how well-suited he is for mass roles, especially with his well-built physique that complements the character's transformation.
The reactions on social media have been a mixed bag. Viewers have praised Varun's performance, with many calling it one of his best. One user wrote, "Matka is a retro mass actioner with beautiful performances and intense action. As always, Mega Prince @IAmVarunTej steals the show with his stellar performance. Director @KKfilmmaker has wonderfully recreated the vintage retro vibe, making it a mass jathara in theatres." Another user shared, "Varun's performance is the highlight, showcasing various layers in his role of Vasu. The vintage setup, music by GV Prakash, and execution by the director all come together to make it a memorable experience."
In addition to Varun's stellar performance, the film's technical aspects have received praise. The music and background score, particularly by GV Prakash, have been called one of the film's strong assets, adding to its dramatic tension. The dialogues and production design also stand out, with one viewer commenting that the film’s "vintage setup" was a major highlight.
However, not all reactions have been entirely positive. A few viewers have pointed out that while the film has a strong central performance, it falls into the trap of a predictable "rags to riches" storyline with some cliched moments. One critic noted, "The film is a boring rags-to-riches drama filled with cliched scenes and a predictable narrative. While Varun's performance and the period setup are commendable, the film struggles to maintain interest beyond a few key sequences." Despite this, Matka has managed to keep its audience engaged, especially with the mass-centric moments that appeal to its target demographic.