Bombay HC Denies Stay on Roy Kapur Film’s ‘Matka King’
Amazon Prime Video is set to launch its new series “Matka King,” featuring Vijay Varma in the lead role, starting tomorrow. However, the show is embroiled in a legal dispute initiated by Tanuja Bhagat, who claims it draws inspiration from her late grandfather, Kalyanji Bhagat, the pioneer of Matka gambling in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court recently heard the case but declined to halt the series’ release, with further proceedings scheduled for April 20.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The controversy surrounding “Matka King” stems from Tanuja Bhagat’s assertion that the series misrepresents her grandfather’s legacy. Kalyanji Bhagat, known as the “Matka King,” began the Matka gambling game in Mumbai during the 1960s, having initially entered the masala trade in the 1940s. Tanuja first expressed her concerns in 2023, urging the creators to either cease production or consult her family to ensure the portrayal of her grandfather’s story was accurate. When her requests went unheeded, she escalated the matter by sending a cease-and-desist notice in April 2024.
In 2025, Tanuja formally petitioned the Bombay High Court, seeking an injunction against the series. Her legal action demands that the production be halted, promotional materials be removed, and the show’s release be blocked entirely. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between creative expression and the protection of personal and familial legacies in the entertainment industry.
Recent Court Developments
On April 15, the Bombay High Court heard arguments from both Tanuja Bhagat and the producers of “Matka King.” After considering the case, the court decided not to impose a restraining order on the series, allowing it to proceed with its scheduled release. This decision was reported by Legal Era Online, which noted that the matter has been adjourned until April 20 for further deliberation. The court’s refusal to block the series indicates a complex interplay between copyright claims and artistic freedom in the realm of streaming content.
Tanuja Bhagat’s Statement
In a video statement released in May, Tanuja Bhagat expressed her frustration with Amazon Prime’s portrayal of her grandfather’s legacy. She accused the streaming service of misleading the public and commercializing her grandfather’s identity without proper acknowledgment. Tanuja emphasized that Kalyanji Bhagat was the true originator of the Matka game and criticized the series for allegedly presenting a distorted version of history. She claimed that the character in the show is loosely based on Ratan Khatri, who was merely her grandfather’s manager, rather than the Matka King himself.
This ongoing legal battle raises important questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers and streaming platforms in accurately representing historical figures and events. As the release date approaches, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for how stories based on real-life individuals are told in the future.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
