On April 7, the trailer launch event of Vijay Varma's web series Matka King was held in Mumbai, where the entire star cast and makers made the evening special with their presence.
Actors Kritika Kamra, Gulshan Grover, and Sai Tamhankar were also present at the event.
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During the event, all the artists shared insights about their characters, the storyline, and their experiences working on the project. The launch began on a lively note as the host asked interesting questions about Vijay Varma's character Brij Bhatti, making the atmosphere more engaging.
Vijay Varma Talks About His Character
At the event, Vijay Varma shared that his character has a unique mindset-he believes more in 'continuing to play' than in winning or losing. He described it as a rags-to-riches story, where an ordinary man achieves everything on his own.
Drawing a parallel to his personal life, he said that he too came to Mumbai with a small bag and big dreams, which helped him connect deeply with the character.
Speaking about the series, he said, 'Matka King is not just a story, but a journey that explores ambition, power, and the true cost of success. Working on this project was exciting yet challenging, especially because it is set in a different era that I had never explored before.'
He further added that portraying Brij Bhatti was not easy, as the character has multiple layers and required him to express every emotion authentically. He also mentioned that working on such projects after Dahaad and Mirzapur has been a special experience for him.
Vijay Praises the Directors
Vijay also praised directors Nagraj Manjule and Abhay Koranne, saying they gave him complete creative freedom. This allowed him to understand his character deeply and present it in his own way. He expressed confidence that audiences not just in India but worldwide will connect with the story.
Kritika Kamra on Her Role
Kritika Kamra shared that this has been one of the most unique experiences of her career. She said the role challenged her and gave her the opportunity to grow as an actor. Every scene, according to her, was a learning experience that required her to understand the strength and mindset of her character.
Sai Tamhankar Shares Her Experience
Sai Tamhankar, who plays Brij Bhatti's wife Barkha, said that at first glance her character may seem like a simple homemaker, but in reality, she is a strong and independent woman.
She added that her character does not merely follow her husband but makes her own decisions and builds her own identity. This role, she said, was completely new for her.
Nagraj Manjule on the Series
Writer, creator, and director Nagraj Manjule described the series as a period drama about a man who fights for his dreams and dignity. He emphasized that special attention was given to every detail-from set design and costumes to recreating the atmosphere of that era-so that the story feels authentic and relatable.
Siddharth Roy Kapur Shares His Excitement
Siddharth Roy Kapur expressed his excitement, saying that the matka world of the 1960s and 70s is fascinating and unique. At a time when the country was facing economic challenges, this game became a source of hope and income for many, adding depth to the story. He also highlighted that the biggest strength of the series lies in its strong and layered characters, which reflect the reality of that time.
Siddharth Jadhav on His Role
Siddharth Jadhav spoke about his character Dagdu, stating that it is not just a supporting role but a witness to Brij Bhatti's entire journey. He explained that while Brij moves forward, struggles, pauses, and makes decisions in life, Dagdu remains by his side at every step, observing and experiencing everything closely. He added that the bond between Dagdu and Brij Bhatti is deep and special, built on trust and companionship. He also praised Vijay Varma, calling him a brilliant and supportive co-actor.
What Is 'Matka King' About?
In Matka King, Vijay Varma plays Brij Bhatti. The trailer showcases his world in detail. Set in 1960s Mumbai, the story follows a simple cotton trader who dreams of a better life.
With a single idea, he turns the matka gambling system into a large-scale empire. However, as his influence grows, so do the challenges and dangers around him. The trailer highlights how a dream gradually transforms into a major struggle. It also offers glimpses of characters played by Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, and Gulshan Grover.
Star Cast
Apart from Vijay Varma in the lead role, the series features Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat, and Gulshan Grover in key roles. Other actors include Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishore Kadam, Cyrus Sahukar, Arpita Sethia, Sambhaji Tangde, Ishtiyak Khan, Sanjeev Jotangia, and Simran Awasthi in important roles.
Release Date
The series will stream on April 17 across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on Prime Video.
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