In a significant development in Indian cinema, Varun Tej is set to star in an upcoming high-budget film, ‘Matka,’ directed by the acclaimed Karuna Kumar, known for his work in ‘Palasa 1978.’ The movie, produced under the banners of Vyra Entertainments and SRT Entertainment, aims to take audiences on a nostalgic journey, recreating the charm of yesteryear Vizag. Meenakshi Chaudhary has been cast as the leading lady opposite Varun Tej, while Nora Fatehi is slated to play a crucial role, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Naveen Chandra, Ajay Ghosh, Kannada Kishore, Ravindra Vijay, and P Ravi Shankar.
The filming of ‘Matka’ is currently in full swing, and the production team is engrossed in the third schedule, which is structured as an ambitious 35-day continuous shoot. In a bid to authentically recreate the retro magic of Vizag from a bygone era, the filmmakers have reportedly allocated a whopping 15 crore rupees for constructing elaborate period sets at the renowned Ramoji Film City.
To provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the sets and the meticulous effort being put into their creation, Varun Tej took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share a behind-the-scenes clip. In his post, he wrote, “Reliving the retro magic with #Matka. Shoot in progress! 🎥@KKfilmmaker @Meenakshiioffl @norafatehi @Naveenc212 @gvprakash” accompanied by a video link. The shared clip has since garnered significant attention, showcasing the elaborate set pieces and the dedication of the crew to capturing the essence of old Vizag.
In a statement released by the filmmakers, it was highlighted that ‘Matka’ is intended to be a high-budget, pan-India film. The significant investment in the period sets underscores the commitment to delivering a visually stunning experience to the audience. The sets have been meticulously designed to replicate the vintage allure and essence of Vizag, and they are anticipated to be one of the film’s standout features.
Adding to the excitement, ‘Matka’ is said to be inspired by true events, promising an engaging storyline that blends historical authenticity with cinematic flair.
. The film’s musical score has been entrusted to the talented GV Prakash, ensuring a soundscape that complements the visual narrative. A Kishor Kumar is helming the cinematography, bringing his keen eye for detail to capture the intricate set designs and dramatic scenes. Karthika Srinivas R is handling the film’s editing, tasked with weaving together the extensive footage into a cohesive and compelling final product.
‘Matka’ isn’t just targeting a regional audience; it is set for a pan-Indian release in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, in addition to its original Telugu. This strategy reflects the film’s ambition to reach a broader audience and cater to diverse linguistic groups, thereby reinforcing its position as a significant cinematic venture on the Indian film landscape.
Telugu cinema has consistently been a fertile ground for groundbreaking projects that push the envelope in terms of storytelling and production quality. ‘Matka’ appears to be the latest addition to this venerable tradition. By committing substantial resources to the creation of authentic vintage sets, the makers have demonstrated their dedication to providing an immersive viewing experience that transports audiences to a different time and place.
As the film progresses through its shooting schedule, anticipation continues to build among fans and critics alike. The combined star power of Varun Tej, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Nora Fatehi, along with the creative vision of Karuna Kumar, makes ‘Matka’ one of the most eagerly awaited films in the current lineup of Telugu cinema. The panoramic sets, rooted in the historical context of Vizag, are expected to elevate the film’s aesthetic and narrative, making it a unique offering in an industry that continually strives for innovation and excellence.
Stay tuned for more updates on ‘Matka’ as it moves closer to completion, promising to bring the vibrant and nostalgic essence of yesteryear Vizag to the big screen with grandeur and authenticity.
