A few days back the official announcement came that Vijay Sethupathi will be portraying legendary spinner Muttiah Muralidharan in his biopic titled '800'. The star actor who has an envious fan following stated “I’m happy to be associated with the Muttiah Muralitharan biopic. He is an iconic sportsman of Tamil origin & someone who’s made his mark across the world. Portraying the role of Murali is going to be a challenge for me & I’m looking forward to it. Similarly, Murali also shared his delight about VJS playing him and said that he will be working close to the team and help the actor with his bowling and body language.

Later a section of the media claimed that Sri Lankan Tamils are displeased with Vijay Sethupathi playing Murali adding that the latter was pro-Sri Lankan government and anti Tamil Ealam. Speculations began that the actor would give in to pressure and walk out of the project.

Vijay Sethupathi who is in Melbourne attending the IFFM has cleared the air that he is very much a part of '800' produced by Rana Daggubatti and assured that the film not only depicts Muralidharan's sportsmanship but also his personal life and it will become clear who he really is as a Tamil.