Exploring the Intriguing World of 'Matka King' on Prime Video
A Glimpse into 'Matka King'
In a gripping scene, a severely injured man is rushed to a hospital, leaving his companions anxious about his chances of survival.
Brij Bhatti, portrayed by Vijay Varma, has achieved remarkable success, turning even death into a potential opportunity. He is the mastermind behind a betting system that offers a fair chance to every participant, proving that an honest gambler can indeed exist.
The journey of Brij Bhatti is the focal point of Nagraj Manjule’s debut Hindi series, 'Matka King'. Co-written with Abhay Koranne, the show narrates the tale of a fictional folk hero who establishes a fair gambling environment.
Set in the mid-1960s, this Hindi series on Prime Video, inspired by Ashish Aryan's concept, depicts Brij's split from Lalji (Gulshan Grover), who operates an illegal gambling ring based on cotton trades in Mumbai. Brij innovates a new game involving numbers drawn from a matka, an earthen pot, symbolizing both his humble beginnings and his clientele: the struggling residents of Mumbai seeking extra income.
Brij’s unique selling proposition is transparency, which catapults him to wealth almost overnight. He is supported by his brother Lachu (Bhupendra Jadawat), manager Dagdu (Siddharth Jadhav), and wife Barkha (Sai Tamhankar). The Parsi widow Gulrukh (Kritika Kamra) helps Brij navigate high society.
Brij's rise draws the attention of journalist D’Souza (Girish Kulkarni), police inspector Eknath (Bharat Jadhav), and politician Bapat (Kishor Kadam). While D’Souza and Eknath criticize Brij, Bapat sees a potential opportunity, as does smuggler Darab (Vineet Kumaar Singh).
At first glance, 'Matka King' may seem typical. Brij's rapid ascent is initially met with admiration reserved for daring rule-breakers.
Brij perceives himself as a champion of income redistribution, viewing gambling as a sport rather than a vice. The series indulges Brij, portraying him as both an underdog and a charismatic figure.
However, as Brij defies conventions, 'Matka King' subtly challenges middle-class concerns regarding crime and morality. Manjule and Koranne present a groundbreaking perspective: a non-judgmental examination of gambling, a character study of someone often labeled a criminal, and a socioeconomic analysis of the conditions that shape individuals like Brij.
The eight-episode series does experience some pacing issues and lacks high production values. The period details are evident in fixed telephones and newspaper ads. Nevertheless, 'Matka King' excels in its engaging and thought-provoking exploration of intricate themes.
The straightforward approach places Brij’s Robin Hood-like persona in a time when post-Independence ideals are shifting. Certainties about morality, integrity, and societal roles are fading.
Amid typical plot developments lie crucial insights about Mumbai's multicultural, profit-driven landscape. 'Matka King' highlights the visible and hidden barriers faced by aspirants, the city's transactional nature, and its neglect of the underprivileged. It’s refreshing to see a show that portrays workers positively rather than as mere obstacles.
'Matka King' makes it clear who is truly deceiving whom. D’Souza and Eknath come to understand the truth behind Bob Dylan’s lyrics in 'Absolutely Sweet Marie': 'to live outside the law, you must be honest.'
Nagraj Manjule skillfully directs the captivating Vijay Varma, who embodies Brij Bhatti’s charm with his confident demeanor and engaging smile. Varma, reminiscent of Amol Palekar, portrays a dangerously persuasive yet occasionally vulnerable maverick.
While the series elevates Brij, it also critiques him. Manjule never loses sight of the democratizing force that shapes Brij’s identity.
Brij’s wife Barkha, brother Lachu, assistant Dagdu, and ally Gulrukh are well-developed characters. They attempt to emulate Brij’s focus on individualism, only to realize that the rules differ for them.
Another notable aspect of 'Matka King' is its strong female characters, who are intelligent, assertive, and independent. Sai Tamhankar’s portrayal of Barkha is that of a strong partner, while Kritika Kamra’s Gulrukh is far from a passive follower. Jamie Lever also stands out as Dagdu’s girlfriend.
No one here is a victim; everyone has willingly entered the matka scene, spinning the pot to their advantage. Rather than condemning them, 'Matka King' maintains an open perspective.
The outcome is a series that balances arrogance with caution and preaching with wisdom, encapsulated in Barkha’s remark to Brij: 'you are not even a complete villain.' This is, in fact, a compliment.
‘His only superpower is honesty’: Nagraj Manjule and Vijay Varma on ‘Matka King’