Vijay Varma, known for his dedication to his roles, reportedly gained 8 kilos to authentically portray his character in the upcoming web series "Matka King". The series, directed by Nagraj Manjule, is a fictional story set in 1960s Mumbai, revolving around an enterprising cotton trader who introduces a new gambling game called Matka to gain legitimacy and respect.

"Matka King" explores the world of Matka gambling, which became popular in Mumbai in the 1960s. Initially, Matka involved betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton from the New York Cotton Exchange to the Bombay Cotton Exchange. Later, the system evolved to using random numbers. The series depicts how the protagonist's game takes the city by storm, making it accessible to the common man, a terrain previously reserved for the rich.

Vijay Varma's commitment to the role is evident not only in his physical transformation but also in his dedication to immersing himself in the character's world. Sources indicate he set aside a significant amount of time, around 35 to 40 days, to focus solely on shooting for "Matka King" before taking a break. This intense focus highlights his ambition to deliver a compelling performance in this gritty, high-stakes drama.

The series boasts a talented cast, including Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, Gulshan Grover, and Siddharth Jadhav, each playing pivotal roles. The series is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur's Roy Kapur Films and will be available on Amazon Prime Video.

Varma has stated that he aims to take on roles that challenge him and push his boundaries. "Matka King" seems to be one such role, with the actor undergoing a significant transformation to embody the character.

The shooting for "Matka King" commenced in June 2024 and wrapped up in April 2025. Vijay Varma shared the news of the wrap on his Instagram, posting a picture of a custom-made cake shaped like a Matka. While a release date is yet to be announced, the series is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime Video.