The period drama Matka King made its debut on Amazon Prime Video on April 17, and it has captured the audience’s attention with its engaging storyline, intense scenes, and impressive cast. Viewers have begun to notice similarities between some of the film’s characters and real-life figures. A significant point of discussion has centered on the main character, Brij Bhatti, and whether he is modeled after Ratan Khatri, a notorious gambling figure known as the ‘Matka King.’ Recently, reports indicated that Viineet Kumar Siingh’s brief role as gangster Darab Ahmed Wadkar might be inspired by the infamous fugitive Dawood Ibrahim.
In Matka King, actor Cyrus Sahukar portrays a lively film star named Maqsood. This character has drawn comparisons to the celebrated actor Mehmood, particularly because of Maqsood’s sharply styled pencil moustache, reminiscent of Mehmood’s appearances in classics like Padosan and Bombay To Goa.
The plot of Matka King revolves around Brij Bhatti, a struggling man who creates the gambling game ‘Matka.’ The game quickly gains popularity among the impoverished, as it provides them a chance to win significant amounts of money, all while Brij assures fairness in the game. Brij also finds love with a wealthy Parsi widow, Gulrukh, played by Kritika Kamra, who helps introduce ‘Matka’ to the affluent circles. During celebrations with Gulrukh, Brij forms a close friendship with Maqsood, leading him to invest in Maqsood’s upcoming movie, Bharat Ka Beta. However, as the film’s premiere approaches, Brij finds himself caught in legal troubles.
A standout moment in the show occurs at the premiere of Bharat Ka Beta. While Brij waits backstage, hoping for recognition, Maqsood announces the film’s cast on stage but neglects to mention Brij. Feeling humiliated, Brij steps away to smoke a cigarette in the theater lobby instead of watching the film.
Matka King has become a hit, emerging as Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched new series in two years and topping charts in 17 countries during its launch week.
