<p>Like many players, former Sri Lankan cricketer, Muttiah Muralitharan also now has his biopic, <em>800</em>. But unlike most biopics, <em>800 </em>does not just focus on one player and his goals. The title, <em>800</em>, is a tribute to the wickets he earned during his cricket career, but the movie tells the story of not just a man, but an entire community and a country, and how the geopolitical tension shaped his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an exclusive chat with WION, actor Madhur Mittal and the cricketer revealed more details.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRnHMYeZ7R0?si=s-5ot092757SNxgI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>So Madhur, from playing a Punjabi child in Shaka Laka Boom Boom, to a rogue in Slumdog Millionaire and now a cricket player in <em>800</em>. You have enjoyed quite the range.</strong></p>

<p><strong>Madhur Mittal:</strong> I have been lucky, although I haven't done too much work. Actors are rated on their versatility, and despite such a short number of films I have managed to explore a lot of characters. I have been given all these different opportunities and it has culminated into this fantastic character that I am going to play in <em>800</em>. I am very grateful.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>800</em> isn't just an ordinary biopic. It involves the story of a country. So what were the script-reading sessions like?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Muttiah Muralitharan:</strong> I didn't do anything extraordinary, I only made sure that it remains a true story. I did not join the script reading sessions. Even when they were shooting, I just went once when they were shooting near my parents' house. The first time I met Madhur was when I was told that he was locked for the role. I spoke with him briefly when I went to Chennai. I told him not to be nervous, not to copy me but to be yourself.&nbsp;After that, I met him during the trailer launch. My involvement was not too much, I just gave permission and freedom to the cast and crew.&nbsp;This movie managed to battle all odds. It paused due to COVID-19, and then Sri Lanka started facing a financial crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-one-month-of-jawan-a-look-back-at-shah-rukh-khans-film-blockbuster-success-643700">One month of Jawan: A look back at Shah Rukh Khan's film blockbuster success</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Madhur Mittal: </strong>My acting sessions and script reading sessions were dramatically different from that of <em>Slumdog Millionaire</em> or <em>Shaka Laka Boom Boom</em>.&nbsp;When you are playing a real-life character, someone who is as legendary as sir, (pointing at Muralitharan), there's a lot of pressure in getting it right. With my director, &nbsp;we shared our visions and what we wanted to achieve through this film. One thing was for certain, was that we just didn't want this film to be a mimicry, but go beyond that. This movie is so much more than just a sports film, this is a human story, and it has character study. There is an incredible arch that not just the character goes through, but the entire community, and the country. There's a lot of layers to it. Even sir gave me that brief. One can't reduce such an incredible life with just actions and expressions. So, we worked on the depth of the movie.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-hollywood-continues-its-fight-against-ai-theatres-gear-up-for-taylor-swifts-concert-film-643753/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>The former Indian cricket players, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and Virender Sehwag have all come out and shown their support for the film. What were your off-the-field conversations like? What kind of bond did you share with the Indian cricket team?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Muttiah Muralitharan:&nbsp;</strong>We were opponents on the cricket field but outside that we were all very good friends. We have been playing for decades. They have helped me a lot previously too. I have a charity organisation where many members of the cricketing fraternity have come and played matches to raise funds. Indian players feel a lot for other people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>While shooting the movie, and reading the script, what remained the toughest role in bringing out the reality?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Madhur Mittal: </strong>The funny thing is no one was really aware of it until I was locked for the film. Nearly eight years ago, I had a really bad car crash, after which my arms got bent. Even sir, (Muralitharan) has naturally bent elbows, which becomes slightly difficult to emulate. It is difficult to replicate his actions, and it was the toughest part to get that right. But because I had naturally bent elbows, I hope I was able to do a better job.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Muttiah Muralitharan: </strong>It was such a turbulence to make this movie, just like my life. It was one heck of a rollercoaster ride. It took five years to complete the movie and unlike people in my life, people on sets were not negative. I would urge everyone to come and watch the movie then they will understand how to be a champion and how to overcome obstacles in your life. I hope the audience really enjoy this movie.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Like many players, former Sri Lankan cricketer, Muttiah Muralitharan also now has his biopic, 800. But unlike most biopics, 800 does not just focus on one player and his goals.

Like many players, former Sri Lankan cricketer, Muttiah Muralitharan also now has his biopic, 800. But unlike most biopics, 800 does not just focus on one player and his goals. The title, 800, is a tribute to the wickets he earned during his cricket career, but the movie tells the story of not just a man, but an entire community and a country, and how the geopolitical tension shaped his life. During an exclusive chat with WION, actor Madhur Mittal and the cricketer revealed more details. So Madhur, from playing a Punjabi child in Shaka Laka Boom Boom, to a rogue in Slumdog Millionaire and now a cricket player in 800. You have enjoyed quite the range. Madhur Mittal: I have been lucky, although I haven't done too much work. Actors are rated on their versatility, and despite such a short number of films I have managed to explore a lot of characters. I have been given all these different opportunities and it has culminated into this fantastic character that I am going to play in 800. I am very grateful. 800 isn't just an ordinary biopic. It involves the story of a country. So what were the script-reading sessions like? Muttiah Muralitharan: I didn't do anything extraordinary, I only made sure that it remains a true story. I did not join the script reading sessions. Even when they were shooting, I just went once when they were shooting near my parents' house. The first time I met Madhur was when I was told that he was locked for the role. I spoke with him briefly when I went to Chennai. I told him not to be nervous, not to copy me but to be yourself. After that, I met him during the trailer launch. My involvement was not too much, I just gave permission and freedom to the cast and crew. This movie managed to battle all odds. It paused due to COVID-19, and then Sri Lanka started facing a financial crisis. Also read: One month of Jawan: A look back at Shah Rukh Khan's film blockbuster success Madhur Mittal: My acting sessions and script reading sessions were dramatically different from that of Slumdog Millionaire or Shaka Laka Boom Boom. When you are playing a real-life character, someone who is as legendary as sir, (pointing at Muralitharan), there's a lot of pressure in getting it right. With my director, we shared our visions and what we wanted to achieve through this film. One thing was for certain, was that we just didn't want this film to be a mimicry, but go beyond that. This movie is so much more than just a sports film, this is a human story, and it has character study. There is an incredible arch that not just the character goes through, but the entire community, and the country. There's a lot of layers to it. Even sir gave me that brief. One can't reduce such an incredible life with just actions and expressions. So, we worked on the depth of the movie. The former Indian cricket players, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and Virender Sehwag have all come out and shown their support for the film. What were your off-the-field conversations like? What kind of bond did you share with the Indian cricket team? Muttiah Muralitharan: We were opponents on the cricket field but outside that we were all very good friends. We have been playing for decades. They have helped me a lot previously too. I have a charity organisation where many members of the cricketing fraternity have come and played matches to raise funds. Indian players feel a lot for other people. While shooting the movie, and reading the script, what remained the toughest role in bringing out the reality? Madhur Mittal: The funny thing is no one was really aware of it until I was locked for the film. Nearly eight years ago, I had a really bad car crash, after which my arms got bent. Even sir, (Muralitharan) has naturally bent elbows, which becomes slightly difficult to emulate. It is difficult to replicate his actions, and it was the toughest part to get that right. But because I had naturally bent elbows, I hope I was able to do a better job. Muttiah Muralitharan: It was such a turbulence to make this movie, just like my life. It was one heck of a rollercoaster ride. It took five years to complete the movie and unlike people in my life, people on sets were not negative. I would urge everyone to come and watch the movie then they will understand how to be a champion and how to overcome obstacles in your life. I hope the audience really enjoy this movie. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

800: Muttiah Muralitharan on his biopic & his bond with Indian cricket players

<p>Actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vijay-sethupathi-to-play-sri-lankan-cricketer-muthiah-muralidaran-in-biopic-333866">Vijay Sethupathi</a> walked out of Muthiah Muralitharan biopic '800' after the veteran cricketer requested the actor amid raging controversy. Several people raised objection to Muralitharan's past support to former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was at the helm during the prolonged civil war that had gripped the country for almost three decades.<br />
<br />
The civil war had adversely affected the Malayaga Tamils, with Indian-lineage and hence raised objection to Tamil actor Sethupati's involvement with the project.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">நன்றி.. வணக்கம் 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/PMCPBDEgAC">pic.twitter.com/PMCPBDEgAC</a></p>
— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl/status/1318126679445950464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Sethupathi tweeted Muralitharan's statement, and wrote, ''Thank you and goodbye''.</p>

<p>In his statement, legendary Sri Lankan cricketer requested the actor to step back in order to protect him from the backlash he has been receiving since the announcement of the film. The cricketer felt that working on the film could harm the actor's career.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
" I am issuing this statement as there has been controversy around my biopic '800'.I understand that Vijay Sethupathi is facing a lot of pressure and criticism from a few people since the announcement, and i do not want a celebrated actor like him facing trouble because of people who misunderstood me. I do not want him to face any problem in future. Hence, I am asking him to opt out of this biopic." the cricketer's statement read.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reffering to the Srilankan civil war, he said, he has always been misunderstood, "When the production house approached me for the film, I was first hesitating to give my nod. I then thought that the film would highlight the struggle of my parents, the contribution of my coaches and teachers and everyone who have been part of my journey. My family had its humble beginnings in a tea estate in Sri Lanka. The most affected in the civil war were the Hill Country Tamils. Our life began in a conflict zone. The film '800' talks about how I overcame all these hurdles and managed to succeed in cricket. Is it my fault that I was born a Sri Lankan Tamil? If I was born in India, I would have definitely tried to be part of the Indian team. Since I am part of the Sri Lankan team, I have always been misunderstood. An unnecessary controversy has erupted saying that I am against Tamils, thus giving the film, a political colour."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGEyuNUpe-v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGEyuNUpe-v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGEyuNUpe-v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGEyuNUpe-v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Honoured to be a part of this landmark project. Update soon #MuthiahMuralidaran @MovieTrainMP #MuralidaranBiopic #MSSripathy #Vivekrangachari @proyuvraaj</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actorvijaysethupathi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vijay Sethupathi</a> (@actorvijaysethupathi) on <time datetime="2020-10-08T07:54:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 8, 2020 at 12:54am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Following the backlash, the makers released a statement clarifying that the film will be a sports biography and will be not showing any political angle.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
''It came to our notice that our film '800', the biopic of Muthiah Muralitharan featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, is being politicized in many ways. However, we want to clarify that 800 is a purely a sports biographical film about the legendary cricketer Muthiah Muralidharan. 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.''</p>

<p>The film is bankrolled by Dar Motion Pictures in association with Movie Train Motion Pictures.</p>


Actor Vijay Sethupathi walked out of Muthiah Muralitharan biopic '800' after the veteran cricketer requested the actor amid raging controversy. Several people raised objection to Muralitharan's past support to former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was at the helm during the prolonged civil war that had gripped the country for almost three decades.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi walked out of Muthiah Muralitharan biopic '800' after the veteran cricketer requested the actor amid raging controversy. Several people raised objection to Muralitharan's past support to former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was at the helm during the prolonged civil war that had gripped the country for almost three decades. The civil war had adversely affected the Malayaga Tamils, with Indian-lineage and hence raised objection to Tamil actor Sethupati's involvement with the project. நன்றி.. வணக்கம் 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PMCPBDEgAC — VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) October 19, 2020 × Sethupathi tweeted Muralitharan's statement, and wrote, ''Thank you and goodbye''. In his statement, legendary Sri Lankan cricketer requested the actor to step back in order to protect him from the backlash he has been receiving since the announcement of the film. The cricketer felt that working on the film could harm the actor's career. " I am issuing this statement as there has been controversy around my biopic '800'.I understand that Vijay Sethupathi is facing a lot of pressure and criticism from a few people since the announcement, and i do not want a celebrated actor like him facing trouble because of people who misunderstood me. I do not want him to face any problem in future. Hence, I am asking him to opt out of this biopic." the cricketer's statement read. Reffering to the Srilankan civil war, he said, he has always been misunderstood, "When the production house approached me for the film, I was first hesitating to give my nod. I then thought that the film would highlight the struggle of my parents, the contribution of my coaches and teachers and everyone who have been part of my journey. My family had its humble beginnings in a tea estate in Sri Lanka. The most affected in the civil war were the Hill Country Tamils. Our life began in a conflict zone. The film '800' talks about how I overcame all these hurdles and managed to succeed in cricket. Is it my fault that I was born a Sri Lankan Tamil? If I was born in India, I would have definitely tried to be part of the Indian team. Since I am part of the Sri Lankan team, I have always been misunderstood. An unnecessary controversy has erupted saying that I am against Tamils, thus giving the film, a political colour." View this post on Instagram Honoured to be a part of this landmark project. Update soon #MuthiahMuralidaran @MovieTrainMP #MuralidaranBiopic #MSSripathy #Vivekrangachari @proyuvraaj A post shared by Vijay Sethupathi (@actorvijaysethupathi) on Oct 8, 2020 at 12:54am PDT × Following the backlash, the makers released a statement clarifying that the film will be a sports biography and will be not showing any political angle. ''It came to our notice that our film '800', the biopic of Muthiah Muralitharan featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, is being politicized in many ways. However, we want to clarify that 800 is a purely a sports biographical film about the legendary cricketer Muthiah Muralidharan. 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 film is bankrolled by Dar Motion Pictures in association with Movie Train Motion Pictures.

'800' controversy: Vijay Sethupathi opts out of Muttiah Muralitharan's biopic

<p><strong>Vijay Sethupathi upcoming flim 800 -&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Actor Vijay Sethupathi is set to play the role of Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan in next film, ‘800’. Makers have now released a motion poster teasing Vijay’s fans with the first look of the actor as the cricketer in the biopic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The motion poster plays out like a graphic novel. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vijay-sethupathi-to-play-sri-lankan-cricketer-muthiah-muralidaran-in-biopic-333866">‘800’ </a>will be set against the backdrop of the civil war that ravaged Sri Lanka for nearly three decades. In it, Muttiah will be seen discovering his passion for cricket, undergoing training and becoming a world-class spin legend amid war-like situation in his country.</p>

<p><strong>Vijay Sethupathi upcoming flim 800 Poster:&nbsp;Muttiah Muralitharan biopic</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lI2b1FEEe7E" width="640"></iframe></p>

<p>Excited for a film on self, <strong>cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan </strong>had earlier said, “I am honoured that an accomplished actor such as Vijay Sethupathi will be playing me in the film. I have been actively collaborating with the creative team for the past several months, and I will continue to support this project through its duration.”</p>

<p>On the role, Vijay Sethupathi had said, “I am delighted that Murali himself will be closely involved with the project and guiding me on the cricketing aspects. I am thankful to both Murali and the producers for the faith bestowed on me.”</p>

<p>The <strong>Muttiah Muralitharan biopic</strong> will be shot in Tamil, but the producers have plans to release the movie in several languages across the world.</p>


Vijay Sethupathi upcoming flim 800 - Actor Vijay Sethupathi is set to play the role of Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan in next film, ‘800’. Makers have now released a motion poster teasing Vijay’s fans with the first look of the actor as the cricketer in the biopic.

Vijay Sethupathi upcoming flim 800 - Actor Vijay Sethupathi is set to play the role of Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan in next film, ‘800’. Makers have now released a motion poster teasing Vijay’s fans with the first look of the actor as the cricketer in the biopic. The motion poster plays out like a graphic novel. ‘800’ will be set against the backdrop of the civil war that ravaged Sri Lanka for nearly three decades. In it, Muttiah will be seen discovering his passion for cricket, undergoing training and becoming a world-class spin legend amid war-like situation in his country. Vijay Sethupathi upcoming flim 800 Poster: Muttiah Muralitharan biopic Excited for a film on self, cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan had earlier said, “I am honoured that an accomplished actor such as Vijay Sethupathi will be playing me in the film. I have been actively collaborating with the creative team for the past several months, and I will continue to support this project through its duration.” On the role, Vijay Sethupathi had said, “I am delighted that Murali himself will be closely involved with the project and guiding me on the cricketing aspects. I am thankful to both Murali and the producers for the faith bestowed on me.” The Muttiah Muralitharan biopic will be shot in Tamil, but the producers have plans to release the movie in several languages across the world.

Watch Vijay Sethupathi as Muttiah Muralitharan in biopic '800' motion poster

Study Shows That The Earth's Third Pole Is Melting Twice As Fast As It Did In The Last Century

Gravitas: Himalayan Ice melting faster than Before: 800,000,000 lives at risk

Nearly 200 people have died in the last month at a camp for people made homeless by Boko Haram violence in northeast Nigeria, an aid agency said Wednesday, warning of a growing malnutrition crisis.<br />
<br />
A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team on Tuesday visited the camp, home to around 24,000 people including 15,000 children, and found what it called &quot;a catastrophic humanitarian emergency&quot; unfolding.<br />
<br />
One in five of over 800 children it examined had severe acute malnutrition, while 16 severely malnourished children &quot;at immediate risk of death&quot; were referred to its in-patient treatment centre.<br />
<br />
At least 188 people have died in the internally displaced people (IDP) camp in Bama, some 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Maiduguri, since May 23 -- about six a day -- mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition, MSF said in a statement.<br />
<br />
A total of 1,233 graves, many of them of for children, had been dug near the camp in the past year, the agency said.<br />
<br />
&quot;This is the first time MSF has been able to access Bama, but we already know the needs of the people there are beyond critical,&quot; said MSF head of mission in Nigeria, Ghada Hatim.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are treating malnourished children in medical facilities in Maiduguri and see the trauma on the faces of our patients who have witnessed and survived many horrors.&quot;<br />
<br />
&#39;Walking corpses&#39;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Borno state government and international aid agencies have previously warned about acute food shortages for IDPs in northeast Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.<br />
<br />
On June 15, the Borno state government said it had transferred nearly 700 people, most of them children, from Bama to Maiduguri for treatment for severe malnutrition.<br />
<br />
Sixty-one young children and babies were said to be &quot;critically malnourished&quot;.<br />
<br />
A civilian vigilante and a soldier based in the remote town of Banki, 60 kilometres from Bama near the Cameroon border, told AFP<br />
this month at least 10 people were &quot;starving to death&quot; every day.<br />
<br />
The vigilante said 376 people had been buried in the last three months and those still alive were like &quot;walking corpses&quot;.<br />
<br />
- Security issues -<br />
<br />
Boko Haram, whose seven-year Islamist insurgency in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead and displaced more than 2.6 million, controlled swathes of territory in the northeast in 2014.<br />
<br />
But the Nigerian government has said IDPs housed in camps or host communities can return after a military counter-offensive pushed the militants out of captured towns and villages.<br />
<br />
Despite assurances the northeast is largely clear of the rebels, sporadic attacks continue and security remains an issue, while houses, businesses and farms have largely been destroyed.<br />
<br />
Domestic and international aid agencies are mainly based in Maiduguri and dependent on Nigerian army assistance to access camps outside the city.<br />
<br />
The Borno state governor Kashim Shettima last week ordered police to investigate reports that relief material, including bags of rice meant for IDPs, was being stolen.<br />
<br />
The UN&#39;s children&#39;s agency, UNICEF, said it has been working with its partners in Bama since March and has provided health and nutrition support for some 19,000 people.<br />
<br />
Its primary health care centre sees on average 140 patients a day for conditions ranging from malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhoea, as well as malnutrition screening and treatment.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

One in five of over 800 children had severe acute malnutrition, while 16 severely malnourished children 'at immediate risk of death'

Nearly 200 people have died in the last month at a camp for people made homeless by Boko Haram violence in northeast Nigeria, an aid agency said Wednesday, warning of a growing malnutrition crisis. A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team on Tuesday visited the camp, home to around 24,000 people including 15,000 children, and found what it called "a catastrophic humanitarian emergency" unfolding. One in five of over 800 children it examined had severe acute malnutrition, while 16 severely malnourished children "at immediate risk of death" were referred to its in-patient treatment centre. At least 188 people have died in the internally displaced people (IDP) camp in Bama, some 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Maiduguri, since May 23 -- about six a day -- mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition, MSF said in a statement. A total of 1,233 graves, many of them of for children, had been dug near the camp in the past year, the agency said. "This is the first time MSF has been able to access Bama, but we already know the needs of the people there are beyond critical," said MSF head of mission in Nigeria, Ghada Hatim. "We are treating malnourished children in medical facilities in Maiduguri and see the trauma on the faces of our patients who have witnessed and survived many horrors." 'Walking corpses' The Borno state government and international aid agencies have previously warned about acute food shortages for IDPs in northeast Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region. On June 15, the Borno state government said it had transferred nearly 700 people, most of them children, from Bama to Maiduguri for treatment for severe malnutrition. Sixty-one young children and babies were said to be "critically malnourished". A civilian vigilante and a soldier based in the remote town of Banki, 60 kilometres from Bama near the Cameroon border, told AFP this month at least 10 people were "starving to death" every day. The vigilante said 376 people had been buried in the last three months and those still alive were like "walking corpses". - Security issues - Boko Haram, whose seven-year Islamist insurgency in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead and displaced more than 2.6 million, controlled swathes of territory in the northeast in 2014. But the Nigerian government has said IDPs housed in camps or host communities can return after a military counter-offensive pushed the militants out of captured towns and villages. Despite assurances the northeast is largely clear of the rebels, sporadic attacks continue and security remains an issue, while houses, businesses and farms have largely been destroyed. Domestic and international aid agencies are mainly based in Maiduguri and dependent on Nigerian army assistance to access camps outside the city. The Borno state governor Kashim Shettima last week ordered police to investigate reports that relief material, including bags of rice meant for IDPs, was being stolen. The UN's children's agency, UNICEF, said it has been working with its partners in Bama since March and has provided health and nutrition support for some 19,000 people. Its primary health care centre sees on average 140 patients a day for conditions ranging from malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhoea, as well as malnutrition screening and treatment. (AFP)

200 die in one month at camp for people made homeless by Boko Haram violence

800, News on 800, stories on 800, articles on 800, 800 stories at Wion, 800 news, 800 latest news