A story with promise, not always fulfilled
‘Matka King’ draws from a real-life story set in Mumbai during the 1960s and 70s, a time when the city was still finding its footing after Partition. The series begins with an engaging premise and manages to hold your attention for most of its run, though it is not without its slow stretches. At its core, it traces the rise of Brij Bhatti, a man who builds a gambling empire on the idea of trust and honesty. That contrast between crime and principle gives the show its initial pull. More than the writing, it is Vijay Varma’s performance that keeps things together, especially when the narrative begins to meander. The show aims to explore ambition, power, and morality, but while it delivers in parts, it never fully reaches the depth it promises. It often feels like the writing hesitates to push its characters into uncomfortable territory, choosing familiarity over risk, which slightly dulls the overall impact.
Rise of an empire rooted in defiance
The story opens at Mumbai’s Cotton Exchange, where Brij Bhatti (Vijay Varma), a Sindhi immigrant whose family moved from Karachi after Partition, works as a manager for the influential trader Lalji Bhai (Gulshan Grover). Lalji Bhai also runs a small gambling setup on the side, catering to workers at the exchange. A moment of humiliation changes his course when Lalji Bhai refuses him financial help in a time of need. That incident pushes Brij to build something of his own, a gambling network that would surpass his employer’s influence. What begins as a modest operation soon expands into a full-fledged Matka empire, drawing attention not just from traders but also from people in power, especially state minister Pratap Rao (Kishor Kadam). As his reach grows, so do the risks, with scrutiny from authorities and the gradual involvement of criminal elements shaping his journey.
Performances that hold the frame together
Vijay Varma anchors the series with a restrained performance, playing Brij as a man who rarely raises his voice and prefers control over aggression. This quiet approach works in his favour and sets him apart from the usual portrayal of crime figures. However, the supporting cast does not always rise to the same level. Gulshan Grover’s Lalji Bhai feels underwritten and lacks the menace the character demands, while Bhupendra Jadawat, as Brij’s younger brother, struggles to leave an impression despite having enough screen time. Sai Tamhankar and Kritika Kamra are sincere in their parts, but their characters are not explored deeply enough. Siddharth Jadhav stands out as Dagdu, bringing an emotional weight that strengthens several key moments. His presence adds energy to the series that it often relies on.
Where the writing begins to slip
The writing is where the series begins to falter. Brij is introduced as a man driven by honesty, and the show repeatedly underlines his belief in trust and honesty as the foundation of his business. Yet, as the story unfolds, he is also shown engaging in deception and questionable practices to protect his empire. These contradictions are not examined with care, making his character feel inconsistent rather than layered. The pacing also becomes uneven midway, with certain subplots feeling stretched and unnecessary. Some sequences do not land as intended, and a few narrative detours take away from the core conflict instead of strengthening it. As a result, the storytelling begins to lose its sharpness just when it needs to deepen its grip.
An ambition that falls slightly short
‘Matka King’ feels like a series that reaches for more than it manages to achieve. It spends considerable time establishing Brij’s rise but falls short in exploring the consequences of that success, particularly his confrontations with authority and rival forces. Those moments should have carried more weight, but they are rushed. The period setting is convincing, and there are glimpses of strong direction, but they appear only in parts. What stays with you is Vijay Varma’s performance and the occasional spark in the storytelling. The series remains watchable and engaging in stretches, but it leaves behind the sense that it could have been far more gripping and complete.
Rating: 3/5