Bollywood A-Listers Hail Vijay Varma’ ‘Matka King’

New Delhi, April 22, 2026: The Indian streaming landscape has witnessed a seismic shift this week, as the much-anticipated period drama Matka King finally arrived on Amazon Prime Video. Released on April 17, 2026, the series—a gritty, immersive dive into the 1960s Mumbai gambling underworld—has not only captured the public’s imagination but has also drawn an unprecedented wave of praise from the crème de la crème of Bollywood.

With industry heavyweights like Karan Johar, Aamir Khan, and Vicky Kaushal publicly expressing their admiration, Matka King has officially cemented its status as one of the most significant releases of the year.

A Masterclass in Period Storytelling

Created by the visionary filmmaker Nagraj Manjule and writer Abhay Koranne, Matka King is more than just a crime drama; it is a meticulously crafted window into a bygone era. Set against the backdrop of a fast-changing Bombay (now Mumbai) between 1964 and 1975, the series traces the meteoric rise of Brij Bhatti, played with electric intensity by Vijay Varma.

The narrative follows Bhatti, an enterprising cotton trader, who crafts a unique gambling system dubbed “Matka.” What begins as a localized, small-scale experiment quickly snowballs into a nationwide phenomenon, democratizing a space that was previously the exclusive playground of the city’s elite. It is a story of ambition, power, and the complex mechanics of survival in post-independence India.

Beyond the gripping plot, the show’s technical brilliance—from its authentic 60s production design to its sharp, nuanced dialogue—has been a major talking point. Nagraj Manjule, known for his socially resonant work in films like Sairat and Fandry, brings his signature raw, grounded style to this high-stakes world, elevating the material beyond the conventions of a typical “gangster” drama.

The ‘Seal of Approval’: What Industry Titans are Saying

In an industry where high-profile endorsements can make or break a show’s momentum, the reception Matka King has received is nothing short of extraordinary. The series has sparked a genuine conversation among top-tier stars, reflecting the high quality of the production.

Karan Johar: “The Perfect Binge”

Filmmaker Karan Johar was among the first to voice his absolute enthusiasm for the series. Taking to his social media platforms, Johar didn’t hold back, calling the show an absolute must-watch.

“What a show!!!! The perfect BINGE!!!!! Congratulations to the entire team of #matkaking… you can’t miss it,” Johar wrote, emphasizing the addictive nature of the storytelling.

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Aamir Khan: The “Perfectionist’s” Nod

Perhaps the most notable endorsement came from Aamir Khan. The actor, known for his selective and meticulous approach to his own filmography, expressed deep admiration for the character of Ratan Khatri (the real-life inspiration behind the show’s protagonist).

Aamir noted that this was the kind of complex, layered role he would have personally loved to portray. He extended his warm wishes to the team, stating:

“Congratulations to Nagraj, Sid, Vijay, and the entire team of Matka King. Ratan Khatri is a character I would have loved to play. I’m sure Vijay must have killed it. Hearing only great things about it.”

Vicky Kaushal: A Highly Anticipated Watch

Vicky Kaushal, who has been vocal about his respect for Nagraj Manjule’s directorial prowess, shared his excitement in a post that resonated with fans of the director.

“Next up on my watchlist… from one of my fav directors! Looking forward… MATKA KING,” Kaushal shared, signaling that the show is now on the must-watch list for the industry’s most discerning actors.

Vijay Varma’s Transformative Commitment

At the heart of all this acclaim is, of course, Vijay Varma. For Varma, Matka King was not just another project; it was a grueling, life-consuming endeavor. In recent interviews, the actor revealed that he dedicated over two years of his life to the series.

“I’ve given the most amount of time for any project in my entire life,” Varma shared. The preparation alone involved months of intense research, followed by a ten-month shoot schedule where he stepped away from all other professional commitments. This deep immersion is visible on screen. Varma portrays Brij Bhatti not as a caricature of a mobster, but as a man of shifting moralities—a cotton trader with the ambition of an emperor and the sensibilities of a common man. His performance has been widely cited as the show’s anchor, allowing the series to balance its larger-than-life ambitions with genuine human stakes.

Why Matka King Resonates

The success of Matka King speaks to a larger shift in Indian streaming. Audiences, and indeed the stars themselves, are increasingly gravitating toward stories that are deeply rooted in Indian soil—stories that explore regional histories, the struggles of the working class, and the complicated rise of the “self-made man.”

By focusing on the “Matka” phenomenon, the show explores how gambling provided a fleeting, thrilling sense of hope to those let down by the economic realities of the time. It is a story about the intersection of politics, poverty, and aspiration.

Furthermore, the ensemble cast—which includes stellar performances by Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, and the veteran Gulshan Grover—has provided the necessary weight to complement Varma’s lead. It is this combination of a rock-solid script, ambitious direction, and powerhouse performances that has clearly made Matka King the talk of the town.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

With the endorsement of industry stalwarts like Karan Johar and Aamir Khan, and a massive buzz surrounding its gripping narrative, Matka King has firmly established itself as a landmark release for Amazon Prime Video this year.

Whether you are a fan of gritty, period-authentic crime dramas or simply appreciate high-caliber acting, this series is undoubtedly worth the time. As the buzz continues to grow and social media continues to light up with discussions about the show’s twists and turns, one thing is clear: Matka King is not just a show you watch; it’s a show you experience.