Vijay Sethupathi quits Muthiah Muralitharan biopic '800' on spin legend's request

Actor Vijay Sethupathi on Monday agreed  to Sri Lankan spin legend Muthiah Muralidaran's request to opt out of the upcoming biopic 800 after a section of people protested against the film. Muralidaran made his request via a statement which Vijay acknowledged with a ‘Thank You’. In his latest statement, Muralidaran said he hoped his biopic will only inspire a lot of youngsters but never did he expect it stir up a controversy. Therefore, Murali requested Vijay Sethupathi to opt out of the project as he sees his involvement in the project as a huge hurdle. The statement said, ‘I am releasing this statement since there is a lot of controversy in Tamil Nadu around my biopic 800. I am aware of the flak Vijay Sethuapthi has been receiving for signing my biopic. There are people who have a wrong understanding of my views who are behind Vijay Sethupathi. I don’t want one of the best actors in Tamil Nadu to go through this. Also, fearing the consequences Vijay Sethupathi could face for signing the film in future, I request him to opt out of the film.’

நன்றி.. வணக்கம் 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PMCPBDEgAC

— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) October 19, 2020

‘I have never given up when I have faced obstacles in my life. Similarly I will overcome this obstacle. I accepted my biopic because I thought it would be an inspiration for youngsters and young aspiring cricketers. I believe we will overcome this obstacle and take this film to the audience. The makers of the film have told me they will come out with an announcement on the film soon, I would be helping them in all the ways I can. I would like to thank the press, media channels, politicians, Kollywood actors, Vijay Sethupathi fans and Tamil people for supporting me during this time.’When asked to clarify on Vijay Sethupathi's cryptic tweet, the film's spokesperson confirmed, "Yes, Ever since the biopic on Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan 800 was announced, there have been several controversies. Many filmmakers including Cheran, Bharathiraja and lyricist Thamarai requested Vijay Sethupathi to opt out of the film as the film would hurt the sentiments of Tamil people across the world. Vijay Sethupathi is opting out of the project. "The film is directed by MS Sripathy. Sam CS is composing music for the film. Titled 800, the film is a biopic on the life and struggles of cricketing legend Muttiah Muralitharan.