Vijay Varma Discusses His Card Trick Training with a Magician for 'Matka King'
Synopsis
In an exclusive interview, Vijay Varma reveals his immersive preparation for the role of a gambling lord in the upcoming series 'Matka King,' sharing insights on learning card tricks and the challenges of acting while playing.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Varma portrays a fictional gambling lord in 'Matka King.' He trained with a magician for card tricks .
The actor spent 10 months mastering his card skills.
Directed by Nagraj Manjule , the series aims for authenticity.
Premieres on Prime Video on April 17, 2026.
Mumbai, April 13 (NationPress) Actor Vijay Varma is preparing for the premiere of his new crime drama series, 'Matka King', where he opens up about the intricacies of portraying a gambling lord and how he developed this character.
In this series, Vijay plays a fictional gambling kingpin who operates numerous matkas (gambling pots) throughout Mumbai. To refine his role, he reached out to a magician who taught him various card tricks.
While promoting the show, Vijay shared with IANS how he mastered his card skills over a period of 10 months. He stated, “I became familiar with the cards, learning how to hold and shuffle them, as well as picking up some tricks. A magician named Ashwam was sent to my home by the production team, and I had about 12 to 15 sessions with him over a month. He taught me how to perform card tricks and shuffle effectively. I aimed to depict my character as someone who has an intimate relationship with the cards. It was a lot of fun to achieve that.”
However, Vijay soon discovered that focusing on the cards could distract him from delivering his lines while immersed in the game. He explained, “When you engage with cards, it consumes so much of your energy and attention that performing in the scene becomes challenging. It’s like a new musician trying to sing while playing the harmonium; they can either play or sing, but not both. I wanted to speak while playing the game.”
“The cards were in my hands for 10 months during the filming of the series. This was my preparation. My director, Nagraj Manjule, and I would review our progress daily to evolve the game's portrayal. It was crucial to establish a trustworthy and relatable character in the first episode, making the audience connect with his journey,” he added.
Directed by Nagraj Manjule, 'Matka King' is set to premiere on Prime Video on April 17, 2026.
Point of View
It's exciting to see how dedicated actors like Vijay Varma immerse themselves in their roles. His commitment to portraying a gambling lord authentically reflects a growing trend in the industry where preparation and authenticity are paramount. 'Matka King' promises to engage viewers with its relatable characters and intricate storytelling.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Matka King' about?
'Matka King' is a crime drama series that follows the life of a fictional gambling lord operating in Mumbai.
When will 'Matka King' be released?
'Matka King' is set to premiere on Prime Video on April 17, 2026.
Who directed 'Matka King'?
The series is directed by Nagraj Manjule.
How did Vijay Varma prepare for his role?
Vijay Varma trained with a magician to learn card tricks, spending 10 months honing his skills.
Why is card trick training important for his character?
It helps Vijay portray a believable and relatable gambling lord, enhancing the authenticity of his performance.
