Varun Tej’s latest release, Matka, has generated a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans and critics alike. The period drama, directed by Karuna Kumar, explores the gritty world of matka gambling and power struggles, set against the backdrop of a pre-cellphone era in Vizag. Early reactions on Twitter reveal a divided audience, with some calling it a “decent” attempt while others feel the film lacks the buzz needed to make a lasting impact.
1st half Ela unna hopes motham 2nd half tho vastayi movie pakka blockbuster avuthadi Varun mass comeback with #Matka
Nenu ippude theatre ki velthunna show time get ready Vishnu DHFM (@MBForver_) November 14, 2024
One enthusiastic fan expressed optimism about the film’s second half, stating, “1st half Ela unna hopes motham 2nd half tho vastayi movie pakka blockbuster avuthadi Varun mass comeback with #Matka.” This suggests that the first half may be slower-paced, with the expectation that the second half delivers on the high stakes and action. This tweet, accompanied by fiery emojis, highlights Varun Tej’s strong fanbase and the belief in his mass appeal.
#Matka had the potential of becoming Varun's very own KGF but the low buzz and no interest among the audience might just kill the film. Storeels (@storeels) November 14, 2024
Another user shared a contrasting view, implying that the film had potential but lacked the necessary momentum: “#Matka had the potential of becoming Varun’s very own KGF but the low buzz and no interest among the audience might just kill the film.” This comparison to KGF, a blockbuster known for its gritty tone and epic storyline, indicates that Matka might have struggled to build the same anticipation or energy, leaving some fans underwhelmed.
The film’s storyline revolves around Matka Vasu, a refugee from Burma who faces power struggles in Vizag. Ajay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra, and Satyam Rajesh have received praise for their performances, with one tweet mentioning, “Ajay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra & Satyam Rajesh deliver standout performances.” However, the film’s female leads, Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi, appear to have limited screen time, as one reviewer noted, “#MeenakshiChaudhary & #NoraFatehi have limited screen presence.”
The soundtrack and background music also received a mixed response. While one viewer described it as “decent,” others seemed more impressed by the fight sequences, which are noted as a major highlight of the film. “Fight sequences are a major advantage,” shared a Twitter user, indicating that these scenes might stand out as some of the film’s best moments.
#VarunTej #MatkaReview First HalfStory of #Matka Vasu, a refugee from Burma, facing power struggles in #VizagAjay Ghosh, Naveen Chandra & Satyam Rajesh deliver standout performances.#MeenakshiChaudhary & #NoraFatehi have limited screen presence.Background music is pic.twitter.com/VjFHX2cH9a
Pakka Telugu Media (@pakkatelugunewz) November 14, 2024
The interval sequence, in particular, has garnered positive feedback. One tweet praised it, saying, “Interval bang is goosebumps-worthy, showcasing Varun Tej’s best performance.” This moment appears to be a pivotal point in the film, drawing audiences in and highlighting Tej’s acting prowess.
While Matka dives deep into the world of gambling and uses a period setting to add authenticity, some viewers felt that this backdrop contributed to a slower pace. “Period drama setting may have slight lag,” one tweet observed, pointing out a possible flaw in the storytelling approach. Period dramas often come with the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with pacing, and it seems that Matka might not have completely succeeded in maintaining an engaging tempo.
The Twitter reactions collectively paint Matka as a film that has its strong points—standout performances, engaging fight scenes, and a gripping interval—but may not fully meet the expectations of all viewers. For fans of Varun Tej, the film offers a satisfying dose of action and drama. However, for those expecting a high-energy blockbuster, the film’s more tempered approach may not hit the
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