Mumbai: In a special birthday surprise for Vijay Varma, Prime Video has officially announced the global premiere date of his upcoming series Matka King. The much-anticipated drama will release on April 17 and will be available to audiences in India as well as across 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The series unites a powerful creative team. It is created and written by Abhay Koranne, and created and directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule. Backed by producers Siddharth Roy Kapur, Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, Gargi Kulkarni, Ashwini Sidwani, Ashish Aryan, the show is produced under Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat and SMR Productions.
A Story Rooted in 1960s Bombay and the Rise of Matka
Set in the rapidly changing world of 60s Bombay, Matka King narrates the fictional tale of Brij Bhatti (played by Vijay Varma). He is an astute and ambitious cotton trader who sets out to make a name for himself in a society of change and opportunity.
What starts as an innovative idea is soon transformed into something much bigger when he brings the idea of a new gambling system known as Matka. This transforms what was once an elite activity into a mass phenomenon that cuts across class barriers. As the stakes increase, so do the risks, which move the story into a gripping space filled with ambition, power struggles, and the quest for identity and respect.
The narrative unfolds against a vivid backdrop of bustling markets, crowded chawls, and shifting social dynamics, offering a layered look at a man chasing success in a complex world.
Strong Ensemble and Makers Promise a Bold Narrative
The series boasts a powerful cast featuring Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat and Gulshan Grover in key characters. Supporting performances are by the actors such as Vineet Kumar Singh, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishor Kadam, Cyrus Sahukar, Arpita Sethia, Sambhaji Tangade, Ishtiyak Khan, Sanjiv Jotangia, and Simran Ashwini.
Speaking about the series, Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals at Prime Video India, described Matka King as a fascinating yet cautionary tale of one man’s rise in a changing society. He highlighted how the journey of Brij Bhatti blends ambition with consequences, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur shared that what drew the team to the project was its unique world and universal theme of aspiration. He praised the collaboration with Nagraj Manjule and Abhay Koranne, noting that the series combines authenticity with a strong creative vision. He also emphasized that the ensemble cast adds depth and nuance to the storytelling.
