October 5, 2023
Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800 Movie Review: Sri Lankan Bowler Muttiah Muralitharan’s biopic 800 has created interest among the audience. Earlier, it was Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi who was supposed to play Muttiah Muralitharan’s role in 800. Vijay Sethupathi also made an official announcement about featuring in the movie. Netizens trolled Sethupathi for trying to portray a bowler’s role in the film, as the bowler belongs to the Tamil community. Later, he walked out. The film is written and directed by MS Sripathy. Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire actor Madhurr Mittal will be seen portraying the role of the legendary Sri Lankan spinner in his biopic. Sivalenka Krishna Prasad is presenting the film in Telugu.
Plot: Muttiah Muralitharan belongs to the Tamil community but was born and brought up in Sri Lanka. He will get name and recognition to Srilanka by playing several matches. Taking 800 Test wickets is his crowning glory. The rest of the film delves into the struggles and hardships in making that landmark achievement. His career was full of obstacles. What inspired him to become a cricketer in the first place? What about his depression and how did he go on to become a great achiever?
Performances: It’s good to see Madhurr Mittal in the biopic. He looks stylish and cool on the screen. I personally feel that somewhere he failed to match up to the skill of Muttiah Muralitharan. Actors like Satish Lohithaswa and Nassar are very good. Mahima Nambiar as the lead man’s wife has a limited role. The film also features a few other talented artists, including those who played Arjuna Ranatunga and Kapil Dev.
The film has been made with due diligence. The research is tremendous. Cricket is a meticulous game and it is fitting that the writers of 800 made a meticulous movie. Otherwise, justice would not have been served.
The film has been promoted with extraordinary flair. The film was in the writing phase for a good two years. The passion of the writing department and the execution are on par with the standards expected of a multi-lingual film. The whole biopic is authentic with very little in terms of flaws.
Verdict: Muttiah Muralitharan is a must-watch biopic. All cricket lovers will surely fall in love with its on-field scenes. Director MS Sripathy has done a very good job.
