Vijay Sethupathi opts out of Muralitharan biopic after the cricketer requests him to do so

I don’t want an excellent artist to suffer because of me, Muralitharan said

sethupathi

In a bid to put to an end to the controversy surrounding legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan biopic 800, Kollywood actor Vijay Sethupathi has withdrawn from the movie.

In a tweet quoting Muralitharan’s letter asking Sethupathi to opt out of the film, the actor said, “Thank you. Good Bye,” indicating that he has dropped plans to be part of the biopic. Sethupathi’s team confirmed this to THE WEEK, saying, “He has opted out of the movie.” The team clarified that with his tweet, “Nandri Vanakkam” the actor meant he won’t be starring in 800.

The actor’s decision came after Muralitharan wrote to Sethupathi, asking him to withdraw from the film. While the controversy surrounding the biopic has been put to rest, Muralitharan through his letter, has also saved the image of the actor, who chose to remain silent even as the controversy raged.

Fondly called Makkal Selvan (son of the people), Sethupathi had been in the midst of a storm, as politicians and Tamil Eelam supporters in Tamil Nadu were against him essaying the role of the Sri Lankan spinner in the biopic. Even when the cricketing icon sent out a detailed statement about how the film will only focus on his struggles as a plantation Tamil who lost his father at the age of seven and how he came up in his life to play for the Sri Lankan team, many were opposed to Sethupathi playing the lead role.

PMK founder leader Dr S. Ramadoss, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan and others said Sethupathi should not play the lead role in the movie.

There were also many who supported the actor.

Muralitharan in a statement from United Arab Emirates, said, "Because of the misunderstanding regarding me, there has been tremendous pressure on Vijay Sethupathi. I don’t want an excellent artist to suffer because of me. Considering his future career and the roadblocks he might face, I have requested him to withdraw from the project.”

Muralitharan, who is currently the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said he had always won against all odds and has never felt fatigue because of any setbacks. “Every time, I have handled the obstacles in my path and won. That is how I have reached this stage. This film would have served as an inspiration for future cricketers, and that is why I accepted to be a part of that. I am sure we will take it to them. A new announcement will be made shortly by the production house, and I stand by them. I thank all those who supported me during this time,”

“I hope this film would be made despite these obstacles. I have been given assurances by the production team that they would make an announcement soon and I will stand by them for all their efforts,” he further stated.

With Sethupathi opting out, the production team is all set to look out for another face to go ahead with 800.