Matka is not a socio-political film. It is a proper commercial mass film: Mega Prince Varun Tej
Mega Prince Varun Tej’s much-anticipated movie ‘Matka’ has been the talk of the industry since its teaser and trailer dropped. Directed by Karuna Kumar, the film is produced by Rajini Talluri and Dr. Vijayender Reddy Theegala under SRT Entertainments and Vyra Entertainments, with a significant budget. Starring Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi as the female leads, the film’s audio, composed by renowned music director GV Prakash Kumar, has already made waves with its chart-topping tracks. As the film gears up for its November 14 release, Varun Tej shares his insights in an exclusive media interaction.
The Story Behind ‘Matka’
Varun Tej describes the film’s plot as the life journey of Vasu, a refugee from Burma who arrives in Vizag. The narrative spans from 1958 to 1982, chronicling Vasu’s rise step by step. When asked if the character mirrored the legendary Matka King Ratan Khatri, Tej clarifies that while the inspiration came from such figures, the story was adapted to fit Telugu sensibilities, crafting Vasu as an original character with unique qualities and struggles.
Preparing for Vasu’s Character
To embody Vasu, Varun spent extensive time with director Karuna Kumar, studying the script repeatedly. This deep dive allowed him to internalize the character’s mannerisms—from the way he sat and walked to how he smoked a cigarette. The character’s evolution, including the changes in accent as Vasu’s journey unfolds, was meticulously worked on to reflect growth and experience.
Production Design and Accents
Varun emphasized that Vasu’s initial speech patterns didn’t include the Uttarandhra accent, as he starts as a refugee. The accent develops over time, portraying his transformation as he ages and climbs the social ladder. The impressive production design, combined with thorough script reading sessions, added to the authentic portrayal.
Not a Socio-Political Film
While director Karuna Kumar’s previous works often spotlight social issues, Varun clarifies that ‘Matka’ is a purely commercial mass entertainer. The film presents Vasu as a complex character who embodies both extremes of good and evil, showcasing moments of pain, ambition, and rage. The story taps into a universal desire: the relentless pursuit to be part of the top 1% of earners in a society where the majority struggles for survival.
GV Prakash’s Music Magic
The choice of GV Prakash as the music director was influenced by his impressive work in films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur.’ His music perfectly complements the gangster genre, with four powerful songs and an impactful background score. Varun noted that the BGM elevates the film, capturing audiences with its intensity.
Emotional Depth in Criminal Storytelling
A poignant scene in the second half, where Vasu bares his soul to his daughter, encapsulates his transformation and motivations. Varun dedicated a week to perfecting this sequence, confident that it will resonate with audiences.
Working with Karuna Kumar
Praising the director’s grounded storytelling and quick improvisation, Varun mentioned that Karuna Kumar’s strengths shine in impactful dialogues and realistic narratives. The collaboration between the director, DOP Kishore, and the entire team ensured a seamless execution of the film’s vision.
Matka’s Period Setting
Set in a historical context, most of the scenes were filmed on carefully constructed sets, including market recreations. Only a few outdoor sequences, like those at Yarada Beach and Kakinada Port, were filmed on location.
Balancing Action and Drama
With a U/A rating, ‘Matka’ doesn’t shy away from intense sequences. The film features nine action scenes, and the second half dives deep into a gripping revenge narrative, culminating in an action-packed finale.
Transformative Performances
Varun Tej revealed that portraying Vasu’s four distinct looks was both challenging and rewarding. The opportunity to present a performance-driven role was a dream come true, following his stint in ‘Gaddala Konda Ganesh.’
Co-stars and Characters
Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role is pivotal, offering emotional support to Vasu throughout the story, while Nora Fatehi’s significant performance adds further depth.
Collaborating with Producers
Varun expressed his gratitude for the passionate efforts of Vyra Entertainments and SRT Entertainments. The entire team’s commitment to excellence created a positive and fulfilling experience for all involved.
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