Muthiah Muralidaran on 800: I trusted director MS Sripathy, haven’t even watched the film fully

The Srilankan cricketing great was in Hyderabad to promote his biopic

Muthiah Muralidaran on 800

800, the biopic of Sri Lankan cricketing great Muthiah Muralidaran, is gearing up for a theatrical release across the globe on October 6. Popular Telugu producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad (of Sridevi Movies) is releasing the film in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages throughout India. Madhur Mittal, who shot to fame with Slumdog Millionaire, brings the cricketer’s role to life in the biopic.

Also read: Asian Games 2023: Indian women's cricket team receives praise for winning gold against Sri Lanka

Before the film hits screens next week, Muthiah Muralidaran was in Hyderabad to interact with scribes. He promised a viewing experience that’ll be equally exciting and nail-biting. That many are aware of various aspects of Muralitharan's life brings relatability to the biopic. “Nothing about the movie is fictional. The film is only 20% cricket, 80% about my life around and beyond the sport.”

Scenes involving him and Arjun Ranatunga, where the latter stood by him during a tricky phase in the 90s, are expected to be one of the major highlights of the film. Muralitharan reportedly trusted director Sripathy so much so that he didn’t even feel the necessity to meet Madhur Mittal more than twice. The filmmaker took on the onus to train the actor.

Muralitharan clearly stated that he didn't want to get involved in the filmmaking aspects. The teaser and trailer have convinced the cricketer that Madhur’s look and body language are similar to his. Mahima Nambiar is cast as Madhimalar Ramamurthy, the better half of Muralitharan. He is yet to watch the film prefers to watch it on the big screen with audiences than the rushes.

He remains quite pragmatic about the film’s performance at the box office and feels many factors contribute to its success. “My legacy lies in cricket and not the fate of a film. Some may like it, some won’t.” The spin bowler is quite aware of popular Indian movies and is aware of Nani’s hit sports drama Jersey. Naren, Nassar, Vela Ramamoorthy, Riythvika, Vadivukkarasi, Arul Das, Hari Krishnan, and Sharath Lohithaswa essay other pivotal roles in the film.

Also read: 800 Trailer: Muthiah Muralidaran biopic depicts his arduous journey to become a bowling legend

Share