Film: Matka
Director: Karuna Kumar
Cast: Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Nora Fatehi, Kishore, Ajay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra and Others
Producers: Vijender Reddy Teegala, Rajani Talluri
Cinematographer: Kishor Kumar
Music Director: GV Prakash Kumar
Banners: Vyra Entertainments, SRT Entertainments
Release Date: November 14, 2024
iQlik Movies Rating: 2.5/5
Click here to read review in Telugu
Matka, directed by Karuna Kumar and starring Varun Tej, attempts to portray the rise of a determined man, Vasu, from a refugee to a feared gangster in Visakhapatnam during the 1958-1982 era. Check out the film review here.
Story:
The story follows Vasu, who, after arriving in Visakhapatnam with his mother in 1958, faces a turning point that lands him in jail and transforms him into a fighter. His ambition and audacity push him into the dangerous world of gambling and power, leading to his eventual reign as a gangster. The narrative explores Vasu?s journey, his rise to power, and the following consequences.
Performances:
Varun Tej sported four different looks in the film. He is phenomenal and acting wise, he gave his best. Meenakshi Chaudhary who served as a glamour element has also contributed to the performance. She played her part well. Nora's role adds a fresh element, making her dance number visually appealing. The rest of the cast made their presence felt.
Technical Aspects:
The cinematography is decent, with an effort to capture the essence of the period setting. The editing is adequate but could have been tighter to eliminate repetitive scenes. The songs "Le Le Raja" and "Tassadiya" stand out visually but do not have a lasting impact. The production values of the film are okay. The music is very loud. Technically, the film is good in parts.
Review:
The screenplay is monotonous, with little to no gripping moments or surprises. The narrative unfolds with predictable beats and fails to build suspense or intensity. Varun Tej's portrayal, while earnest, doesn't resonate as a convincing gangster due to his youthful appearance and lack of gravitas. Meenakshi Chaudharys character lacks significance, while supporting roles are underutilized. The movie struggles to engage due to shallow storytelling, undeveloped subplots, and a lack of impactful scenes that connect with the audience. Matka attempts to be a compelling period action-drama but is ultimately let down by a cliched narrative, lack of engaging moments, and underwhelming execution. Despite Varun Tej's efforts and the vintage aesthetics, the movie doesnt bring anything new to the table and struggles to maintain the audience's interest. It's a routine commercial film that fails to stand out among similar stories of ambition and power.
Plus Points:
Performances
Plot
Production Design
Minus Points:
Screenplay
Direction
Final Verdict: Gangster Drama Lacks Punch
