Overview
Based on Muthiah Muralidaran's life, the champion who set the record for taking 800 wickets in Test Cricket. The tale of a chucker who didn't play by the rules, an oppressed Tamil who championed Sri Lankan Cricket, and went on to become one of the greatest cricketers ever.
800: A Cinematic Tribute to Muttiah Muralitharan
800 is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language biographical sports film based on the life and career of Sri Lankan international cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in the history of cricket. The film is directed by M.S. Sripathy and stars Madhur Mittal in the lead role.
800 chronicles Muralitharan’s journey from a humble background to becoming one of the greatest cricketers of all time. It also explores the challenges he faced as a Tamil minority in Sri Lanka during the civil war.
The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Muralitharan’s life and his struggles. It has also been credited with shedding light on the issue of racism and discrimination in Sri Lanka.
Themes of the film
800 explores a number of themes, including:
- Perseverance: Muralitharan faced many challenges in his career, but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful cricketer.
- Identity: Muralitharan struggled to reconcile his Tamil identity with his Sri Lankan nationality.
- Overcoming adversity: Muralitharan overcame many obstacles, including poverty, racism, and discrimination, to achieve his goals.
- The power of sport: Sport can be a force for good in society, bringing people together and promoting peace and understanding.
Critical reception
800 has received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its realistic portrayal of Muralitharan’s life and his struggles. The film has also been credited with shedding light on the issue of racism and discrimination in Sri Lanka.
Box office performance
800 was a commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹100 crore in India. It also performed well in other countries, such as Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Overall, 800 is a well-made and inspiring film that tells the story of one of the greatest cricketers of all time. It is a must-watch for fans of cricket and sports biopics.