Former Sri Lankan legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan graces the IPL 2020 matchday pre-show ahead of the southern derby clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrises Hyderabad exclusively launching the biopic '800' with a special motion poster. Muralitharan will be accompanied by Tamil Star and the lead of 800 – Vijay Sethupathi.
800 is the number of wickets that the former cricketer knocked out in Test matches, the maximum in history by any bowler.
Speaking on the topic of Vijay Sethupathi playing the lead role in his biopic, Muralitharan said: "Once the script was ready, we thought the best fit for this movie is non-other than Vijay Sethupathi."
"I think he is a very talented actor and he will nail the bowling expressions. I trust Vijay completely as he is one of the greatest actors and I have complete faith that he’ll definitely do wonders for the film."
Expressed his thoughts on playing the role of former Sri Lanka and cricketing legend's role, Sethupathi said: "It’s really nice to listen to his story and spend time with Murali sir. He is like a stamp, he makes a mark wherever he goes with his charming character and personality."
"I love his real life, because fans have seen him in matches on the field, but very few have got a chance to know Murli sir’s personality off the field."
"He’s very adorable and lovable. He’s such a beautiful person and his story needs to be told," he added.
Muttiah Muralitharan started his cricketing career in 1992 and in the course of 18 years, he is the only bowler to top the ODI and Test bowling charts with 534 and 800 wickets respectively. He has the most five-wicket and 10-wicket hauls in Tests by any bowler. Muralitharan took his 800th wicket when he dismissed Pragyan Ojha in the Galle Test of 2010 and immediately after that, he announced his retirement from Tests.
In the Indian Premier League, Muttiah Muralitharan has played for Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore while currently, he is the bowling mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad.