Actor Vijay Sethupathi has decided to distance himself from Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s biopic after a rage among Tamil nationalists, a section of film personalities and Tamil Nadu politicians. The film titled ‘800’ got into a controversy when Sethupathi decided to play Muralitharan.
What was the issue?
This biopic is being opposed because Muralitharan supported the Sri Lankan government during the civil war with the LTTE. He tried to explain his case and said that since he himself is of Tamil origin, he never disrespected the Eelam Tamils.
Muralitharan supports Sri Lankan President
From many footages and reports, it is clear that Muralitharan is supporting Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa was the Defence secretary during the civil war.
The issue was raised by these people
Film personalities such as Bharathiraja, Ameer, Thamarai and Cheran in Tamil Nadu as well as state minister Kadambur C Raju have appealed to Sethupathi to disassociate himself from the film project, keeping in mind the sentiments of the Tamil people.
Muralitharan issued a statement
Earlier on Monday, Muralitharan issued a statement asking Sethupathi to distance himself from the biopic. The former bowler had said that he does not want Sethupathi to suffer because of him. On this Sethupathi also reacted and thanked him.