The Bombay High Court has refused to halt the premiere of the web series 'Matka King,' starring Vijay Varma. The court, on April 15, 2026, declined to grant an injunction sought by Tanuja Bhagat, who claims the series, produced by Roy Kapur Films and set to stream on Amazon Prime Video, misrepresents her late grandfather's legacy. The legal battle, however, is not concluded, with the court scheduling a further hearing for April 20, 2026.
The central contention revolves around historical accuracy and alleged copyright infringement. Bhagat asserts that the series, which focuses on the rise of a gambling syndicate in 1960s Bombay, is loosely based on Kalyanji Bhagat, her grandfather. She disputes the portrayal, arguing that the character is more aligned with Ratan Khatri, whom she describes as merely her grandfather's manager, not the true architect of the 'Matka' game. The court's inquiry into Bhagat's "exclusive right over the title 'Matka King'" during the hearing underscores the complex nature of the dispute.
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Legal Proceedings and Production Stance
The series, which began streaming on April 17, 2026, faced a lawsuit demanding a halt to production, removal of promotional materials, and a complete block on its release. Bhagat had previously raised objections in 2023, seeking consultation with the family for accuracy and threatening to sue if her concerns were not addressed. Roy Kapur Films, represented by DSK Legal, argued their case before the court, with external counsel Dr. Birendra Saraf leading the representation. The production team has maintained its position, allowing the series to proceed toward its scheduled release while the matter remains under judicial consideration.
Background of the 'Matka' Phenomenon
'Matka King' centers on Brij Bhatti, a fictionalized character portrayed by Vijay Varma, a cotton trader who establishes a large underground gambling syndicate in 1960s Bombay. The series explores themes of ambition, power, and the pursuit of legitimacy and respect in a rapidly changing urban landscape. The origins of the 'Matka' game in Bombay are attributed to Kalyanji Bhagat, who transitioned from masala trading to popularizing this form of betting. Historically, Ratan Khatri is also cited as a significant figure in India's underground betting culture, with his influence extending even after his death. The narrative of the series, as described by its creators, is intended to be both "fascinating and cautionary."
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The cast of 'Matka King' includes Kritika Kamra, Vineet Kumar Singh, Bharat Jadhav, Girish Kulkarni, Jamie Lever, Kishor Kadam, and Cyrus Sahukar, among others. The series has garnered attention from industry figures like Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar, who have praised Varma's performance.
