Vijay Sethupathi pulls out of Muralitharan biopic ‘800’ | Daily News

Vijay Sethupathi pulls out of Muralitharan biopic ‘800’

Indian actor Vijay Sethupathi yesterday confirmed that he is withdrawing from the Muttiah Muralitharan biopic ‘800’ which has been in controversy for few days now. The actor Tweeted a letter written by the former Sri Lankan legendary spinner, requesting him to withdraw from the film, accompanied with the words ‘Thank you, goodbye’ in Tamil.

Muralitharan who is currently in the United Arab Emirates, working as a bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad Team playing in the Indian Premier League, wrote a letter requesting Sethupathi to excuse himself from the project. He has said that he does not wish to be the reason for a great artist from Tamil Nadu getting affected.

“Keeping in mind that Vijay Sethupathi should not face any unnecessary hurdles in future, I request him to withdraw from this film,’ he said. Sethupathi acknowledged the Tweet with the words ‘Nandri, Vanakkam’, which is used as a sign off in Tamil.

Although Muralitharan has requested Sethupathi to step away from the project, the retired cricketer has said that he hopes to see this film make it to the big screen. Explaining that he intended this biopic to be a source of inspiration for future generations and young cricketers, he has written, “I hope they will deliver this film despite these odds. An announcement will be made, the production house has said, and I will give them my full support.”

‘800’, to be produced by Movie Train Motion Pictures and Dar Motion Pictures, has been receiving sharp criticism from a section of Tamils, including Tamil film industry veterans like director Bharathiraja.

However, others like actor Radikaa Sarathkumar had supported Sethupathi. The production house had said in a letter earlier that the film will not hurt the sentiments of anyone.