Varun Tej’s recent flicks have been unsuccessful. He put considerable time and effort into “Matka,” set to premiere on November 14, with the aspiration of transcending conventional norms and achieving success. We conducted a brief interview with him prior to the theatrical release of ‘Matka’.
What is the central theme of “Matka”?
The narrative revolves around Vasu. He arrives in Vizag as a refugee from Burma. His rise and his life are the main story. Only one percent of the affluent get 90 paise for every rupee that circulates in this nation. Ninety-nine percent of people work to grab the remaining ten paisa. Vasu aspires to belong to the top one percent. This represents the film’s premise.
Is Vasu analogous to the real-life ‘Matka King’ Ratan Khatri?
The director felt that he needed to adapt his story to the Telugu cultural context. Ratan Khatri originated from a Mumbai background. He arrived in Mumbai from Pakistan. When there were no cell phones, how he sent the number each day for the ‘Matka’ gambling game across the nation was a mystery. Director Karuna Kumar got an idea from this point and wrote the story.
Caste discrimination is emphasized in Karuna Kumar’s earlier films. What issue was addressed in this?
“Matka” is not a socio-political film but a commercial mass film. Therefore, such topics are not addressed in this film. It is a character study. Some of Vasu’s actions appear wrong, while others are right; at times, he portrays himself as a good person, and at other times, as a villain. This characterization fascinated me. I greatly appreciate Karuna Kumar’s sensibilities. He narrates tales rooted in reality, without embellishment.
The primary reason for accepting this film is the characterization of the main protagonist.
You are observed in nearly four distinct getups. What was your method of transformation for each getup?
As an actor, I regard myself as fortunate to portray such a multifaceted character. I was genuinely searching for roles in the genre. Following “Gaddhalakonda Ganesh,” this film presented a significant challenge for me as an actor, providing me with ample opportunities to showcase my acting skills.
