Matka King Review: Vijay Varma Plays A Winning Hand, But The Show Doesn’t Fully Pay Off

The Premise

Set in 1960s Bombay, we meet a small-time cotton factory worker, Brij Bhatti (Vijay Varma), who works for a ruthless boss Laljibhai (Gulshan Grover). While he is completely honest and efficient, that isn’t valued, and not only does he lack adequate money but also the respect he deserves. Circumstances and his ambition force him to pirouette, use his brains to their maximum potential, and reinvent the game of matka, which, apart from being a small side activity for lowly workers, suddenly goes on to become massive.

The one thing he never changes, however, is his absolute honesty about playing the game and showing the cards, which leads to changing luck and fortune for a small-time worker who dreams big. But all this obviously comes at a huge cost, right from immense personal turmoil to changing dynamics with people attached to him, the corrupt biggies trying to pull him down, the government getting involved, and much more.

A Creator’s Instinct And Familiar Echoes

Director Nagraj Popatrao Manjule recently mentioned how he watched Game of Thrones and loved the idea of bingeing on a story for hours and being immersed in it, and you can clearly see that influence in how Matka King unfolds. However, I cannot help but feel, almost certainly, that Manjule has also seen and admired Breaking Bad, because the loops, arcs, and trajectory that Brij Bhatti goes through feel eerily similar to that of Walter White.

That said, this never feels like imitation. A creator’s instinct naturally finds its way into storytelling, regardless of the milieu. A protagonist dealing with adverse circumstances finds a way to earn quick money, rises in power and control, and eventually pays the price. It all leads to the most existential question for the man himself, was it even worth it?

A World That Feels Lived In

Another major highlight of the series is its production design. The team, led by art director Sunil Singh, leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that you are not just watching 1960s Bombay but actually experiencing it.

From the old rectangular paper currency to the shiny trousers, vintage bikes, and cars, every detail is meticulously crafted. Even the smallest elements, like a photo frame lying in the background or the structure of couches in a house, are handled with precision. It all comes together to transport you into the era rather than merely presenting it.

Where The Show Slows Itself Down

That said, it would be unfair to claim that Matka King is without its flaws. The tempo noticeably drops in the fifth and sixth episodes, especially when the storyline, after a solid build-up, feels ready to reach a crescendo but instead dips into another stretch of slower progression.

This approach might work if the makers are planning a second season, which it certainly feels like they are, but in the moment, it tests your patience. It also does not help that several questions remain unanswered, not in a cliffhanger sense, but in terms of character arcs that are introduced with intrigue and then not revisited effectively.

Performances That Keep You Invested

All of this, however, is largely balanced out by the performances of the ensemble cast. A show like this is a reminder of how crucial casting can be, as it makes a difference instantly.

Kritika Kamra brings an understated mix of sorrow, hope, and a quest for independence with subtlety and nuance. Bhupendra Jadawat delivers an impressive performance as Lachu, the younger brother who constantly struggles to step out of his elder sibling’s shadow. Actors like Kishor Kadam, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, and Jamie Lever offer reliable performances that keep the narrative grounded.

Hits, Misses And Standout Turns

I was slightly disappointed with how Gulshan Grover’s Laljibhai turned out. The initial build-up suggested a more substantial arc, but the writing for the character felt weak, making Grover’s performance come across as predictable and less engaging than expected.

On the other hand, Vineet Kumar Singh’s brief cameo was sensational. Sai Tamhankar and Siddharth Jadhav made the strongest impact on me personally, which is fitting given how closely their characters are tied to Bhatti. Tamhankar initially appears demure but surprises you later, while Jadhav brings depth and layers to Dagdu, making him far more compelling than anticipated.

Vijay Varma Holds It All Together

And then, of course, there is Vijay Varma, on whose shoulders this ambitious series rests. Varma is spectacular in portraying Brij with restraint, subtlety, and nuance.

Let’s make one thing clear, Brij is not loud, nor is he an alpha male who asserts dominance through aggression. He is not someone who demands respect through sheer presence or theatrics. In fact, he remains a largely soft-spoken, composed individual, even at his worst.

This is a testament to both the writing and Varma’s performance. He ensures that Brij remains likeable, or at the very least understandable, even when his choices become questionable. It also highlights his incredible range, from playing a subdued yet ruthless killer in Dahaad to embodying a morally conflicted man here.