Vijay Sethupathi has clarified that he is part of the Muttiah Muralidharan biopic. It was reported earlier that he may drop the project because of opposition from Sri Lankan Tamils who requested him to drop the project, saying the cricketer has spoken against them in the past.
In an audio clip shared by his spokesperson to Silverscreen, Sethupathi said, “One needs to be conscious of what is said and done. More so as a celebrity. Usually I find a lot of difference between my opinion and the way it gets projected outside. So I think well before making any statement, and I’m sure this film will not affect anyone.”
He added, “I’ve heard the story of Muttiah Muralidharan, it is moving and a story that needs to be told. I’ve met him and spent time with him. I think after release the film will answer all questions. Beyond his cricketing achievements, it also speaks of his personal life. There are two or three scenes that speak of unity as well.”
Sethupathi is currently training in cricket under Muttiah Muralidharan, who has been involved in the project from the scripting stages. The biopic is written and directed by MS Sripathy, and produced by DAR Motion Pictures along with actor Rana Daggubatti, who announced the news recently.
Suresh Productions and I are proud to be associated with Dar films in telling the story of a legend thru a legendary actor. #VijaySethupathi as #MuttiahMuralidharan soon!! @SureshProdns #DAR
— Rana Daggubati (@RanaDaggubati) July 30, 2019
The shoot is likely to begin later in August or September. Other members of the cast and crew are yet to be announced.
When the film was announced in July, it was reported that Sri Lankan Tamils requested Vijay Sethupathi to drop the project, saying they would boycott the film if he goes on to act.
Muttiah Muralidharan is a cricketer and coach of Tamil origin, and has been criticised by Sri Lankan Tamils in the past for speaking against their demand for boycott of the Sri Lankan cricket team until abuses against them are exposed.
