On October 13, the makers of Vijay Sethupathi-led 800, released its first motion poster. Based on the early life and cricket career of Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, the film landed in controversy after a few slammed it for going the political way. Now, two days later, the makers issued a statement to clear the air. A leading daily, in their report, shared the statement that dismissed rumours that 800 makes a political statement favouring a particular community. They clearly put their point forward that the biopic is purely based on sports and his career.
"It came to our notice that our film 800, the biopic of Muttiah Muralitharan featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, is being politicised in many ways. However, we want to clarify that 800 is a purely a sports biography film about the legendary cricketer Muthiah Muralidaran. The film is a journey about a man who hails from the Tamil migrant community, going on to become the highest wicket taker of all time," the statement read.
The makers further added that 800 will never belittle the struggles of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka nor hurt their sentiments. "The film does not make any political statement favouring any community. The film is intended to be an inspiration for the young generation to achieve their dreams irrespective of the difficulties they come across in their journey. We as the Producers assure that this film will not showcase any scenes that would belittle the struggles of Eelam Tamils in Srilanka or hurt their sentiments in any way," the statement mentioned.
MURALIDARAN BIOPIC... Motion poster of #MuralidaranBiopic... Titled #800TheMovie... Stars #VijaySethupathi as cricketer #MuthiahMuralidaran... Directed by #MSSripathy... Produced by Movie Train Motion Pictures and Vivek Rangachari. pic.twitter.com/9RuAeCK7BB
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 13, 2020
The producers of 800 concluded the statement by saying, "On a positive note, the film will engage the Tamil film community in Sri Lanka providing the artists and technicians a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. Art is beyond boundaries; it unites people all across. Artists belong to the world. We wish to spread only positivity, love and hope."
Directed by MS Sripathy, 800 is produced by Movie Train Motion Pictures and Vivek Rangachari.
(Source: India Today)
