The Background
Matka King is a gripping crime drama streaming on Prime Video, featuring Vijay Varma as Brij Bhatti, a character inspired by real-life gambling pioneer Ratan Khatri.
The Story
The series traces the true story of Karachi-born refugee Ratan Khatri, who built a multi-million-dollar empire by organizing illegal betting on cotton prices (matka) in Mumbai during the 1960s and 1970s. Known as the “honest betting king,” he rose to dominance in the gambling world, shaping an era of underground crime and ambition.
The Good
Vijay Varma delivers a stellar performance as Brij Bhatti, effortlessly portraying a layered character with depth and nuance. Supporting actors Siddharth Jadhav (Dagdu), Sai Tamhankar (Barkha), Kritika Kamra (Gulrukh Dubash), and Gulshan Grover (Lalji Bhai) also shine in their roles.
Created and written by Abhay Koranne and Nagraj Manjule, the series makes a sincere attempt to be a compelling crime drama. It effectively shows how unchecked ambition can blur moral boundaries and demand heavy personal sacrifices.
The rise of Brij, the expansion of his matka empire, and the changes in his personal life are depicted convincingly. The narrative also handles his downfall and trauma in a non-judgmental manner. The involvement of an honest journalist and a dutiful police officer adds further intrigue. While the final moments are somewhat predictable, the ending still packs a punch.
The music and production design are top-notch, enhancing the atmosphere of the series.
The Bad
The relationship between Brij and Gulrukh could have been explored more deeply, as their differences don’t evoke strong emotions. Barkha’s struggles are portrayed in a rather standard way, and the pacing dips in the middle episodes.
The Worse
The dynamic between Brij and his brother Laxman (Latchu) lacks the emotional weight it needed. Though there are effective moments, more emphasis on their bond would have elevated the track. Similarly, the subplot involving the minister’s attempts to bring Brij down feels underwhelming.
Takeaway
Strong performances, immersive world-building, and engaging storytelling make Matka King a worthwhile watch despite its flaws.
Bottom Line
A compelling crime drama with occasional pacing issues.
Rating: 3/5
