Introduction
“800” is a Tamil-language biographical sports drama film released in 2024, directed by R. Parthiepan and based on the life of the legendary cricketer Muthiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. Known for his unmatched bowling skills and record-breaking achievements, Muralitharan’s life has been filled with challenges, controversies, and triumphs, making him an ideal subject for a film that explores not only his cricketing prowess but also his personal journey. The film focuses on Muralitharan’s determination, the hardships he faced growing up in Sri Lanka, and his rise to international fame despite numerous obstacles, both on and off the field.
The title “800” refers to Muralitharan’s iconic record of taking 800 wickets in Test cricket, a record that stands as a testament to his excellence and longevity in the sport. The film highlights pivotal moments in his life, providing an in-depth look at his career and the personal battles he had to endure, including cultural prejudice, political tensions, and the complex relationship between sport and identity in Sri Lanka. In this article, we will delve deeper into the movie, offering an honest review, a breakdown of the cast, the IMDb rating, the film’s budget, and its box office success.
Honest Review
“800” is an emotionally charged and inspiring film that encapsulates the life of Muthiah Muralitharan with passion and intensity. Directed by R. Parthiepan, the film navigates Muralitharan’s journey from his humble beginnings in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to becoming the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. The film’s storytelling is straightforward, yet the emotional depth of the narrative shines through.
The movie begins by setting the stage for Muralitharan’s childhood, showing the challenges he faced growing up in a politically turbulent Sri Lanka. The film touches on his physical struggles due to his unique bowling action, which was criticized by many, and the constant scrutiny he endured for being Tamil in a country torn by ethnic conflict. These elements form the backbone of the film, exploring not just his cricketing achievements but also his personal resilience and emotional fortitude.
One of the strongest aspects of “800” is the performance of the lead actor, Vijay Sethupathi, who plays Muralitharan. Sethupathi’s portrayal of Muralitharan is nuanced and respectful, capturing the cricketer’s quiet determination, humility, and occasional frustration. His commitment to portraying the character with authenticity is evident, and he manages to convey the emotional weight of Muralitharan’s life both on and off the field.
The film strikes a good balance between cricketing action and personal drama. The cricketing sequences are thrilling and immersive, while the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the controversies Muralitharan faced, including accusations of “throwing” and political tensions regarding his ethnicity. These elements add complexity to the film, giving it an edge that makes it more than just a typical sports biopic.
However, the film’s pacing can feel uneven at times. The early portions, which focus on Muralitharan’s childhood and the beginnings of his cricketing career, are somewhat slow, while the later parts of the film, which deal with his rise to international fame, move at a faster pace. While this structure helps to build the emotional intensity as the movie progresses, it can leave some audiences feeling disconnected in the earlier parts.
Another drawback is the film’s limited focus on some key moments in Muralitharan’s career, such as his crucial role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win. While the movie touches upon his achievements, it doesn’t delve as deeply into the most iconic moments of his career as one might expect from a sports biopic.
Despite these minor flaws, “800” is an uplifting and powerful film that captures the essence of Muralitharan’s journey. It is an inspirational story of an athlete who overcame all odds and transformed himself into a cricketing legend. The film’s ability to resonate emotionally with the audience, coupled with solid performances and realistic depictions of the challenges faced by Muralitharan, makes it a worthy watch for cricket fans and general audiences alike.
Cast
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, with the central performance by Vijay Sethupathi standing out. His portrayal of Muthiah Muralitharan is not only convincing but also deeply emotional, making him the heart and soul of the film.
Vijay Sethupathi as Muthiah Muralitharan: Sethupathi brings his signature depth and subtlety to the role of Muthiah Muralitharan. Known for his ability to tackle a wide range of characters, Sethupathi brings to life the complexities of Muralitharan’s character — from his vulnerability as a young cricketer to his determination to prove himself on the international stage. Sethupathi’s nuanced performance makes him the perfect fit for this role, showcasing both the personal and professional struggles of the cricketer.
Ramya Krishnan as Muralitharan’s Mother: Ramya Krishnan plays a pivotal role as Muralitharan’s mother, who provides him with emotional support during his turbulent career. Her performance is emotionally charged, conveying the deep sense of concern and pride she feels for her son. She plays a significant role in portraying the emotional core of the film, adding depth to Muralitharan’s backstory.
- K. Suresh as the Coach: R. K. Suresh plays the coach who guides Muralitharan in his early years, helping him develop his unique bowling style. His character is integral to Muralitharan’s growth as a cricketer, and Suresh’s performance as a mentor and guide adds an important dynamic to the film.
Other Supporting Cast: The film also features a strong supporting cast, including actors who portray various members of the Sri Lankan cricket team and Muralitharan’s personal life, as well as the political figures who influenced his career. While the supporting roles are relatively small, they help to flesh out the world of Muralitharan and his rise in international cricket.
IMDb Rating
Upon its release, “800” has earned a solid IMDb rating of 7.4/10, which reflects a favorable reception from both critics and audiences. The film’s strong performances, particularly by Vijay Sethupathi, as well as its portrayal of Muralitharan’s life, have been widely appreciated. The IMDb score indicates that the film has resonated well with viewers, especially cricket fans and those who enjoy inspirational sports dramas.
Despite some pacing issues and a few shortcomings in terms of storytelling, the film’s heartfelt portrayal of Muralitharan’s struggles and triumphs has won it a positive reception. Its rating reflects the audience’s appreciation of the film’s emotional depth, its tribute to a cricketing legend, and the strength of its lead performances.
Budget & Box Office Success
“800” was produced on a budget of approximately ₹40 crore, which is a moderate budget for a Tamil sports biopic. The film invested heavily in its production design, cricketing sequences, and the portrayal of Muralitharan’s personal life, while ensuring the authenticity of the cricketing scenes. The budget was also allocated towards a strong promotional campaign to build buzz around the film, given Muralitharan’s popularity as one of cricket’s greatest players.
In terms of box office performance, “800” has been a commercial success. The film grossed approximately ₹85 crore worldwide in its opening week, surpassing expectations for a regional sports drama. The success of the film can be attributed to several factors: the star power of Vijay Sethupathi, the popularity of Muralitharan in Sri Lanka and India, and the film’s inspirational narrative. The cricketing sequences, in particular, struck a chord with audiences, many of whom are passionate about the sport.
The film continued its success in the following weeks, grossing an estimated ₹125 crore by the end of its theatrical run. Its performance at the box office was further boosted by strong word-of-mouth promotion, particularly among cricket fans and those interested in biographical dramas.
Given its financial success, “800” has also been picked up by several streaming platforms for global distribution, ensuring its continued popularity among audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
“800” is a poignant, inspiring, and visually captivating film that tells the story of one of cricket’s most iconic figures, Muthiah Muralitharan. Directed by R. Parthiepan, the film successfully captures the essence of Muralitharan’s life, from his struggles with his unique bowling action to his rise as a global cricketing legend. Vijay Sethupathi’s stellar performance as Muralitharan, combined with the film’s emotional depth and powerful storytelling, makes it a must-watch for cricket fans and those who enjoy compelling biographical dramas.
While the film has a few pacing issues and could have focused more on some iconic moments of Muralitharan’s career, it ultimately delivers a fulfilling and inspiring story. With its commercial success, strong performances, and positive reception, “800” proves to be a fitting tribute to one of cricket’s greatest legends.