Matka King (2026) — Prime Video Series: Cast, Story + Save on OTT via Magicpin

Matka King — Prime Video Crime Drama Streaming Now

If you've been looking for a gripping crime drama set in the underbelly of 1960s Bombay, Matka King on Amazon Prime Video is exactly what you need. Created by acclaimed director Nagraj Manjule (Sairat, Pondicherry) and starring the always-excellent Vijay Varma in the lead, this eight-episode series traces the rise of an ordinary cotton trader who creates a gambling empire that takes the city by storm. Since its release on April 17, 2026, Matka King has generated solid buzz for its period setting, layered performances, and the always fascinating story of how power shapes — and eventually consumes — those who chase it. Whether you're a fan of Vijay Varma's craft or simply love a well-made gangster saga, this one deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist.

 

 

Key Facts

Platform: Amazon Prime Video  |  Release Date: April 17, 2026  |  Creator/Director: Nagraj Manjule  |  Cast: Vijay Varma, Sai Tamhankar, Kritika Kamra, Gulshan Grover, Bhupendra Jadawat, Siddharth Jadhav, Jamie Lever, Girish Kulkarni, Vineet Kumar Singh  |  Genre: Crime Drama, Period  |  Language: Hindi  |  Seasons: 1 (8 episodes, 43–62 mins each)  |  Produced by: Roy Kapur Films, Aatpat Production, SMR Entertainment

 

What's the Story About?

Set in the 1960s, Matka King follows Brij Bhatti (Vijay Varma), a humble cotton trader working for Lalji Bhai (Gulshan Grover), a feared and established gambling don. When Brij stumbles upon an innovative idea for a new form of gambling called "Matka" — drawing numbered chits from a pot — he inadvertently creates a betting phenomenon that democratises a terrain previously reserved for the city's rich and elite. What starts as a small, almost accidental enterprise soon spirals into a massive underground empire that brings Brij both unimaginable fortune and a growing target on his back. As the Matka craze spreads through Bombay's bustling textile mills, a journalist begins investigating the operation, while the enigmatic Gulrukh (Kritika Kamra) finds herself drawn into the game's dangerous allure. The series is less about gambling mechanics and more about ambition, morality, and the slow corrosion of a man who starts with good intentions.

 

 

Why It's Worth Watching

Vijay Varma's performance is the undisputed anchor of Matka King. Coming off strong performances in Darlings, Jaane Jaan, and the acclaimed web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Varma brings a layered, restrained intensity to Brij Bhatti — a man who is intelligent enough to build an empire but not wise enough to see the cost. The 1960s period setting is wonderfully realised, from the textile mill backdrops to the vintage aesthetic that transports you to another era. Sai Tamhankar as Brij's wife Barkha provides the emotional grounding, while Gulshan Grover brings his signature menace as Lalji Bhai. Kritika Kamra's Gulrukh adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The series has drawn mixed-to-positive reviews — The Hindu called it "a cautionary tale that pays rich dividends," while India Today praised it as "Vijay Varma winning big." With its binge-friendly eight-episode format and compelling character arc, Matka King is a solid pick for anyone who enjoyed Scam 1992 or Sacred Games.

 

 

Where to Watch Matka King

Matka King is currently streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in India. All eight episodes of Season 1 are available to stream in Hindi with English subtitles. If you're not already a Prime Video subscriber, you can join through the Prime Video or Amazon India app and start watching immediately.

 

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FAQs

Q: What is Matka King about?
A: Matka King is a crime drama set in 1960s Mumbai, following a cotton trader who creates a gambling empire called "Matka" that takes the city by storm. Created by Nagraj Manjule, it stars Vijay Varma in the lead role.

 

Q: Where can I watch Matka King?
A: Matka King is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in India. All 8 episodes of Season 1 are available in Hindi with English subtitles.

 

Q: Who is in the cast of Matka King?
A: The series stars Vijay Varma as Brij Bhatti, along with Sai Tamhankar, Kritika Kamra, Gulshan Grover, Bhupendra Jadawat, Siddharth Jadhav, Jamie Lever, Girish Kulkarni, and Vineet Kumar Singh.

 

Q: Is Matka King worth watching?
A: Matka King has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with strong praise for Vijay Varma's performance and the period setting. It's a solid pick for fans of crime dramas like Scam 1992 and Sacred Games. The Hindu called it "a cautionary tale that pays rich dividends."

 

Q: Is there a Season 2 of Matka King?
A: As of now, Amazon Prime Video has not announced a Season 2 renewal for Matka King. The first season consists of 8 episodes and was released on April 17, 2026.