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Vijay Varma's crime drama 'Matka King' is finally set for an April 2026 release after a year's delay. Filmed in June 2024, the series delves into the rise of the 'Matka' gambling system in 1960s Bombay. Director Nagraj Manjule's first period drama, it boasts a grand scope and complex historical backdrop, promising an authentic portrayal of the era.
The crime drama ‘Matka King’, headlined by Vijay Varma, is set for an April 2026 release after a long wait. Filming for the series had been commenced in June 2024 under the direction of Nagraj Manjule, and it had initially been included in a major streaming lineup for 2025.
However, the project was not unveiled that year, leaving its status uncertain until now.Reportedly, the production required more time because of the show's grand scope and complex historical backdrop. As Mid-Day stated, 'Matka King' was wrapped in 2025, and a release in the same year was initially intended by the top executives at the streamer. However, additional time was required for a project of this scale to achieve the best possible result.
An authentic portrayal of 1960s Bombay will be presented, marking the first period drama to be undertaken by Nagraj Manjule.
Deadlines are not believed in when quality may be compromised. The show is now considered ready and is scheduled to be released online in April.Plot of 'Matka King'The story has been placed in 1960s Mumbai, where the rise of a new gambling system called “Matka” is depicted. A cotton trader seeking legitimacy and social acceptance is shown to introduce this betting format, which is eventually embraced across the city.
What had once been confined to affluent circles is portrayed as being transformed into a mass phenomenon, reshaping the gambling landscape.Cast of 'Matka King'Important roles in the series have been portrayed by Kritika Kamra,
Sai Tamhankar
, Gulshan Grover and Siddharth Jadhav. The screenplay has been written by Manjule in collaboration with Abhay Koranne, while production responsibilities have been handled by
Siddharth Roy Kapur
along with the director.Vijay Varma on work frontPrior to this project, Vijay Varma had been seen in the romantic drama ‘Gustaakh Ishq’, in which he appeared opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh. With ‘Matka King’, a return to a darker, character-driven narrative space is expected to be witnessed from the actor.
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