Actor Vijay Sethupati Withdrawn from Muthiah Muralitharan’s Biopic “800”

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Chennai: The veteran Srilankan Cricketer Muthiah Muralitharan’s Biopic falls under a fierce and widespread criticism from political leaders and others in Tamil Nadu State. The Tamil Actor Vijay Sethupati, who is acting as character Muthiah Muralitharan in the biopic withdrawn from “800” on Monday. Muthiah Muralitharan created a record of being the first bowler to take 800 test wickets. The political leaders and others in the Tamil Nadu state criticizing over his portraying a man who “played fiddle when Lankan Tamils were dying”.

On the request of Muthiah Muralitharan actor Sethupati exit from the biopic “800”. Muthiah said he did not wish a top artist to be affected because of him. It’s over said Sethupati speaking with the media persons on Monday, after Muralitharan’s wish about him. Although Muralitharan is a Lankan Tamil who has roots in India, pro-Tamil groups have branded him a “betrayer of Tamils” and alleged the cricketer supported the killing of Tamil civilians during the armed conflict between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.

Veteran Tamil director Bharathiraja had said: “Muttiah Muralitharan played fiddle when Lankan Tamils were dying. What is the use of achieving as a sportsperson when he laughs as his own people die? As far as we are concerned Muttiah has betrayed our trust.” PMK chief Dr P Ramadoss said: “If Vijay Sethupathi turns down the film he will find a place in Tamil history. If he does it defying the opposition he will find a place in the history of betrayers.”

Apart from Bharathiraja and Dr Ramadoss, at least two Tamil Nadu ministers had also asked Sethupathi to leave the film. Estimated one lakh Tamil civilians were reportedly killed in bombing raids by Lankan forces during the final phase of the war against the LTTE. Muralitharan, meanwhile, has denied allegations he supported the killings.

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