The Telugu period action drama Matka, directed by Karuna Kumar, delves into the life of a notorious gambler and gangster, inspired by the true story of Ratan Khetri. Released on November 14, 2024, the film offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of gambling and crime in Visakhapatnam during the years 1958 to 1982.
Box Office Performance:
As per reports from Sacnilk, Matka has had a modest run at the box office in its first three days.
Day India Net Collection (₹)
Day 1 (Thursday) 0.71 crore (rough data)
Day 2 (Friday) 0.66 crore (rough data)
Day 3 (Saturday) 0.75 crore (rough data)
Day 4 Prediction (Sunday) 0.05 crore (estimate based on live data)
Total (4 Days) 2.17 crore (approx.)
The numbers suggest a lukewarm response, with the fourth day showing a steep decline. The film’s appeal may rely heavily on word-of-mouth and its unique story premise.
About the Film:
Plot:
The story revolves around Vasu, a Matka gambler-turned-gangster, chronicling his rise and struggles over 24 years. This gripping narrative brings to life the challenges and dangers of gambling culture in mid-20th century India.
Main Cast:
Varun Tej: Vasu (lead protagonist, gambler and gangster)
Meenakshi Chaudhary: Sujatha (Vasu’s love interest)
Nora Fatehi: Sofia (Telugu debut)
Saloni Aswani: Padma
Satyam Rajesh: Sivudu
P. Ravi Shankar: Narayana Murthy
Kishore: Nani
Technical Team:
Director & Writer: Karuna Kumar
Producers: Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Talluri (Vyra Entertainments, SRT Entertainments)
Cinematography: A. Kishor Kumar
Editor: Karthika Srinivas
Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Strengths of the Film:
Period Setting: The film beautifully captures the vintage charm of Visakhapatnam from the late ’50s to the early ’80s, blending nostalgia with grit.
Star Power: Varun Tej leads the cast with a powerful performance, supported by Meenakshi Chaudhary and debutant Nora Fatehi, who adds glamor and intrigue to the narrative.
Challenges:
Mixed Reception: Early reviews and audience reactions suggest that while the film’s concept is intriguing, its execution may have lacked the punch needed to draw larger audiences.
Box Office Competition: Released alongside other big-ticket films, Matka has struggled to carve out a strong foothold.
Outlook:
Matka offers a compelling story inspired by real events and the life of Ratan Khetri, but its box office performance has been underwhelming so far. With a talented cast and a unique premise, the film may yet find an audience among fans of period dramas and character-driven stories.
