In a major legal victory for Roy Kapur Films and Amazon Prime Video, the Bombay High Court has refused to grant an injunction against the release of the web series Matka King. Starring Vijay Varma, the show is set to begin streaming today, April 17, 2026, despite a legal challenge regarding its historical accuracy and portrayal.
The Core of the Dispute
The petition was filed by Tanuja Bhagat, the granddaughter of the legendary Kalyanji Bhagat, who famously pioneered the Matka gambling system in Mumbai during the 1960s. Bhagat’s legal battle began in 2023, escalating to a cease-and-desist notice in 2024 and eventually a formal petition in 2025.
Tanuja Bhagat’s primary grievances include:
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Identity Theft: She alleges the makers are “stealing the identity” of her grandfather by using the title “Matka King,” which she claims was a title officially recognized even by government agencies for Kalyanji Bhagat.
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Historical Accuracy: Bhagat argues the series is loosely based on Ratan Khatri, whom she describes as merely her grandfather’s manager, rather than the true architect of the Matka game.
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Commercialization of Legacy: She claims the production is “erasing the truth” and showing a “false history” of Mumbai’s Worli Matka for commercial gain.
The Court’s Ruling
During a hearing on April 15, the Bombay High Court bench listened to arguments from both Roy Kapur Films and the petitioner. Ultimately, the court declined to restrain the release, allowing the show to premiere as scheduled.
While the show hits screens today, the legal matter is far from over. The court has adjourned the case to April 20, where further arguments regarding the removal of promotional materials and the handling of the historical narrative will likely be discussed.
About Matka King
The series, directed by Nagraj Manjule, explores the gritty underworld of Mumbai’s gambling scene. With the court’s refusal to stay the release, viewers can now see Vijay Varma’s portrayal of the rise of the gambling empire, though the debate over whose “truth” is being told continues to simmer in the background.
