Muthiah Muralidaran’s biopic “800” is set for release on October 6, and in a recent interview, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner discussed Vijay Sethupathi’s exit from the project. Initially cast to portray Muralidaran, Sethupathi faced opposition from Tamil directors and politicians, ultimately leading to his departure from the film.
Muralidaran revealed, “I was in IPL at that time. He was also staying in the same hotel as I was… So, I had approached him for some time to talk to him. He was initially reluctant because he didn’t know… After two to three days, he was so much interested in doing the film… He said he wouldn’t get such an opportunity like this one again and all that. So, we went and signed him.”
However, due to protests and pressure from certain politicians and directors, Sethupathi withdrew from the project. Muralidaran explained, “They threatened his family and all that… It was big news for two to three weeks at that time. So, I asked him and he said he wanted to do the film and didn’t care about anything… But I told him not to spoil his career, and finally, he decided to walk out of the project.”
Directed by MS Sripathy, “800” will now feature Madhur Mittal as Muthiah Muralidaran. Mahima Nambiar, Yog Japee, and Nasser also star in the biopic.
