Matka X review: Netizens hail Varun Tej's 'stellar' performance in routine rags-to-rich story
Varun Tej has managed to impress fans with his performance in Matka but it seems many are not fond of the predictable storyline. With an underwhelming first half and poor background music, netizens highlighted how the film fails to live up to the expectations.
Tollywood actor Varun Tej's period action drama Matka was released in theatres on Thursday (November 14). The film has managed to garner significant footfalls in cinema halls despite a clash with Suriya's pan-India film Kanguva. Those who managed to watch early shows of Matka have now taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their reviews. While fans have praised Varun Tej's raw performance, the overall reaction to the film appears to be less than favourable.
Ahead of the film's release, Varun Tej shared a note for his fans on X, hoping they enjoy his labour of love. The actor wrote, "After months of hard work and dedication, Matka finally hits theatres tomorrow. I hope you guys like and enjoy what we¡¯ve made. Thank you."
After months of hard work and dedication,
¡ª Varun Tej Konidela (@IAmVarunTej) November 13, 2024
Matka finally hits theaters tomorrow.
I hope you guys like and enjoy
what we¡¯ve made.
Thank you.??#MATKA pic.twitter.com/6NQhIHiRKQ
Matka X review:
One X user found Matka's first half weak, adding it relies on clich¨¦d scenes, lacking punch. The user added that the period setting impresses, but the narrative feels overly familiar and uninspiring; however, he hailed Varun Tej's performance.
#Matka Below Average 1st Half!
¡ª Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) November 14, 2024
Run of the mill so far filled with cliched scenes that lack impact. Varun Tej is solid so far and the period set up is done well but the film is progressing in a very ordinary with nothing exciting. Need a big 2nd Half!
"It's a kind of Retro Mass actioner with some beautiful performances & intense action, as usual, Mega Prince @IAmVarunTej steals the show with his stellar performance, director @KKfilmmaker wonderfully recreated that vintage retro vibe. A Mass jathara in theatres," a second user wrote.
Completed #Matka
¡ª ????? ???? (@SingleMan122) November 14, 2024
It's a kind of Retro Mass actioner with some beautiful performances & intense action, as usual Mega Prince @IAmVarunTej steals the show with his stellar performance, director @KKfilmmaker wonderfully recreated those vintage retro vibe
A Mass jathara in¡ pic.twitter.com/syOP6MWE4U
"Matka is a Mass film but with subtle elevations. Varun Tej variations & Gangster aura the vere level anthe. Don't expect it to be a big-budget over-the-top film like Kalki, and Salaar. This is Varun Tej Matka and it holds a special place with its versatile storytelling method. Go for it with the right expectations and I'm sure you will not be disappointed," a third netizen wrote.
#Matka is a Mass film but with subtle elevations. Varun Tej variations & Gangster aura aithe vere level anthe ??
¡ª Navya (@HoneYNavya_) November 14, 2024
Don't expect it to be a big budget over the top films like Kalki, Salaar. This is Varun Tej Matka and it holds a special place with its versatile story telling¡ pic.twitter.com/VuPTc8XEP9
Another fan hailed the film as Varun Tej's mass show, calling it his finest performance. "He just killed it as Vasu in every frame," he added.
#MATKA is an Out & Out #VarunTej¡¯s Mass Show ??? Rating 3?/5
¡ª Shyam Dev (@its_ShyamDev18) November 14, 2024
This has to be his finest performance and he just killed it as Vasu in every frame.@GVPrakash is terrific with his BGM elevating most of the scenes. pic.twitter.com/Y6I7JJ43qR
Meanwhile, another review said that while Varun Tej is good, the screenplay and drama do not work for the film. "BGM normal. Songs are the worst," it added.
About Matka
Directed by Karuna Kumar, Matka is inspired by the life of the 'Matka King' Ratan Khetri, considered by many as among the pioneers of betting in India. The film chronicles the events that took place between 1958 and 1982 with Varun Tej playing the protagonist. Besides Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi also play pivotal roles in the film.
Produced by Vyra Entertainments and SRT Entertainments, Matka hit theatres in five languages: Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam.
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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