Matka King, a fictional tale inspired by the real matka kings of Bombay, is a testament to how similar and templated Indian OTT titles have become. Despite being entertaining and engaging, the show fails to place a risky bet, relying on predictable plot twists and character growth.
The show, set in the Bombay of the 1960s and 1970s, correctly captures the city's ambience and character. The production design and art direction are top-notch, as is the casting, particularly of the ensemble next to Vijay Varma.
Vijay Varma shines as the titular gambling kingpin Brij Bhatti, but the show falters in how it treats the protagonist and the women around him. The show hardly addresses Brij's infidelity, elevating the character to a pedestal rather than showing his faults.
The performances, however, are a redeeming factor. Vijay Varma is commendable in his portrayal of Brij's growth, while Girish Kulkarni delivers a memorable performance as the idealistic journalist TP. Kritika Kamra and Sai Tamhankar also stand out in their respective roles.
Matka King could have been the best Indian show this year, but it fell prey to an inability to take risks. The show is streaming on Prime Video.
