Picture Credit: Instagram
Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan on his 51st birthday, shared first-look poster from his biopic titled '800'. It is to be noted that Muralitharan has been an all-time great with a tally of 1,347 international wickets, a record which still remains untouched. But Murli’s biggest individual accolade is his 800 Test wickets in 133 matches, which gives the name to his biopic.
The Sri Lankan star shared the ‘800’ poster on Instagram, with his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad also sharing it across social platforms on his 51st birthday. The caption revealed that the film will be released in three languages - Hindi, Tamil & Telugu and celebrates his glorious cricketing career.
The caption of the post read, “He shines bright like the Sun in our dugout and we’re stoked to call him our bowling coach! #HappyBirthdayMurali. We hope #800 is as successful as your illustrious career. Releasing soon in Hindi, Tamil & Telugu at cinemas near you.”
Indian actor Madhur Mittal who received wide acclaim for his role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire will be playing Muthiah Muralitharan in the biopic. The feature will be directed by MS Sripathy and produced by Movie Train Motion Pictures and Vivek Rangachari.
Three years ago, when talks of the movie started, South Indian actor Viraj Sethupathi was set to be the main lead in the film. But because of objections from many political leaders and filmmakers pushed Sethupathi to part ways with the crew.
Going back to Murli's second innings after a stellar career, he is the only Sri Lankan cricketer along with Jayawardene and Sangakkara to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Muralitharan, who won an ODI World Cup in 1996 for Sri Lanka, has been working as a bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Under his guidance, the Orange Army won their maiden IPL trophy in 2016. Muralitharan also served as the head coach of Thiruvallur Veerans in the second season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League.