Back in 2022, Siddharth Roy Kapur of Roy Kapur Films joined forces with veteran Indian director Nagraj Manjule to produce an engaging series set in the fascinating world of betting.
Tentatively named “Matka King,” this series will take us on a journey from the 1960s to the 1990s. It draws inspiration from the remarkable life of Ratan Khatri, who arrived in Mumbai as a refugee and changed the destinies of the underprivileged by turning the local gambling game of Matka into a nationwide empire worth billions of rupees. The allure of Matkatranscended economic boundaries, with people from the slums betting as little as one rupee, trying to guess the Matka results legally. At the same time, stakes reached hundreds of thousands in upscale neighbourhoods.
Khatri is widely recognized as being the pioneer of gambling in India and was affectionately known as the ‘Matka King.’
Nagraj Manjule’s debut feature film “Fandry” (2013) received international acclaim, screening at film festivals in London and Goteborg and winning him best debut director at India’s National Film Awards. Subsequently, “Sairat” (2016) became the highest-grossing Marathi-language movie ever. Additionally, “Jhund” featuring Amitabh Bachchan is already out.
Siddharth Roy Kapur’s most recent co-production, the Netflix noir series “Aranyak,” made a remarkable debut in India, taking the top spot in December and securing a place in the global top 10. Currently, it holds the second position in India, just behind “Emily in Paris.”
In his own words, Roy Kapur expressed, ” ‘Matka King’ is a tale that holds the promise of touching the hearts of viewers worldwide, regardless of their language, location, or culture. It’s an expansive drama, a grand narrative that delves into the origins of Matka, showcasing the extraordinary individual behind it and shedding light on how wealth became accessible to the masses as Matka betting transcended all social strata. We are thrilled to team up with the incredibly talented filmmaker Nagraj Manjule, who will also serve as the show’s guiding force. I’ve long admired Nagraj’s impressive body of work, and ‘Sairat’ remains one of my personal favorites from the last decade.”
Manjule shared his thoughts, saying, “This series will unveil the true essence of our world, as seen through the eyes of the hardworking folks whose daily lives are intertwined with these games of luck. My creative journey has consistently aimed to illuminate the unspoken truths of our nation and the ordinary person’s experiences. With Matka’s immense popularity and the captivating, influential character at the story’s centre, ‘Matka King’ aspires to offer a glimpse into a thrilling and transformative era in India, one that has remained uncharted on the screen until now.”
Who is Siddharth Roy Kapur?
Siddharth Roy Kapur is an Indian film producer and entrepreneur. He is known for his significant contributions to the Indian film industry. Here are some key points about Siddharth Roy Kapur:
Takeaway
Siddharth Roy Kapur, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, teamed up with acclaimed director Nagraj Manjule to create the highly anticipated series “Matka King.” This series promises to offer a captivating narrative that delves into the world of Matka gambling, inspired by the life of Ratan Khatri, the ‘Matka King.’ With their impressive track records in the film and entertainment industry, Kapur and Manjule are poised to deliver a compelling and transformative story that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide. Kapur’s journey from his early career to establishing Roy Kapur Films showcases his significant contributions to the Indian entertainment landscape. Together with Manjule’s creative vision, “Matka King” is set to be a ground-breaking series that sheds light on a fascinating era in India’s history, previously unexplored on screen.