Matka Movie Review: Vintage Vizag Visuals, But Disappointing Pacing
“Matka,” with its runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes, made its theatrical debut, and for many, it failed to leave a lasting positive impression. While the first half managed to maintain a decent level of engagement, the second half unfortunately tested the audience’s patience.
Story and Pacing: A Gangster’s Journey Lacking Depth
The film delves into the familiar narrative of an ordinary boy rising to become a wealthy gangster – a story explored in countless films before. However, for such a premise to succeed, it needs either an engaging drama or compelling thrills. “Matka” struggles in its second half, lacking both, resulting in a flat narrative that ultimately tests the viewer’s endurance. The basic story follows a hero who, after committing a murder in 1950, goes to jail as a child. The film then chronicles his journey of how he returned and achieved such great heights.
Understanding “Matka”
The title “Matka” refers to a money game initiated by the hero. Despite being central to the plot, this game, similar to ‘Kayaraja Kaya,’ was not fully explored or established in the film, leaving its significance underdeveloped.
What Worked: The Positives
Despite its drawbacks, “Matka” did present some commendable aspects:
Vintage Vizag and Art Direction
One of the most appreciated elements is the mesmerizing art work that vividly portrays vintage Vizag. The art department deserves significant praise for recreating the visuals of that era, showcasing a remarkable level of freedom given to the production side. The cinematography also effectively brought these visuals to life.
Varun Tej’s Performance
Varun Tej delivers a standout performance, making it almost a one-man show. His physique, costumes, and acting, particularly in scenes involving a cigar, were highly commendable. He emerged as the “only savior” during the challenging second half.
Engaging First Half Development
The initial part of the film, comparatively, offers a well-developed narrative. It delves into the hero’s time in jail, his transformation there, his work after release, the depiction of prostitution in that era, and the subsequent establishment of the Matka game. This sequence of events generates curiosity and maintains interest. Furthermore, unlike many films that directly show a hero fighting, “Matka” provides a detailed backstory from his childhood explaining why he is capable of fighting, a detail that resonated well.
Noteworthy Performances
Meenakshi Chaudhary and Saloni delivered good performances within their given roles. Nora Fatehi’s appearance was a pleasant surprise; her Tollywood entry through “Matka” featured both strong dancing and acting. For those curious about her dance, a reference was made to the Bollywood film “ABCD 2.”
What Didn’t Work: The Negatives
Second Half Challenges
The second half of “Matka” largely failed to impress. Beyond the art work, there was little that felt special. It primarily consisted of songs and fights but lacked sufficient drama. The process of the protagonist’s growth, while a valid narrative, neither inspired, engaged, nor even informed the audience.
Missing Engagement and Depth
The film suffered from an absence of thrills, twists, or significant dramatic elements. Many scenes felt reminiscent of those seen in numerous other movies. The “Matka” game itself, despite being the film’s title, did not feel adequately established. Several aspects of the second half felt rushed, including a song dedicated to memories with the wife, which further dampened interest.
Background Music
The background music by G.V. Prakash Kumar, who previously delivered strong scores in films like “Lucky Bhaskar” and “Amaran,” also did not leave a significant mark in “Matka.”
Is Matka Suitable for Family Viewing?
The film contains certain elements that might be uncomfortable for family viewing, such as the initial portrayal of Saloni’s role, an item song, and scenes with exposing content. However, outside of these specific instances, the rest of the film could be viewed.
Sequel Hint
While there was no official announcement of a sequel, the film concludes with references to “cricket batting” and “Dawood,” hinting at a potential continuation.
Final Verdict and Rating
In conclusion, “Matka” might be worth a watch for its captivating art work depicting old Vizag and Varun Tej’s strong acting. However, for those seeking a full-fledged entertainer, it falls short. The film delivers a decent first half, followed by a disappointing second half. Based on this review, “Matka” receives a rating of 2.5/5.
