MS Sripathy’s 800 is a biopic that delves into the life and career of Sri Lankan Tamil cricketer Muthiah Muralitharan. It beautifully captures the essence of his cricketing journey, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs he achieved. The film aims to answer the question of Murali’s identity as a Sri Lankan or a Tamil, while also shedding light on his reputation in the cricketing world. While the film successfully presents the major milestones in Murali’s life, there are missed opportunities for deeper exploration and emotional intensity.
800 Movie Plot Summary:
The film starts with an animated narration of the history of cricket, showcasing how the sport enamored the Tamils in Sri Lanka. It then takes us through Murali’s life, from his interest in cricket as a young boy to his achievements and controversies.
The biopic highlights Murali’s resilience and determination, beginning with his struggles as a Tamil in Sri Lanka during the ethnic riots of 1977. It showcases his talent and the role cricket played in shaping his life, leading up to his debut series in England and his eventual triumphant return to the side. Throughout the film, we witness Murali’s journey through the highs and lows of his career, including the chucking controversy, becoming the highest wicket taker in Tests, and his role as an Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Program. The film also touches upon the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Pakistan and Murali’s milestone of reaching 800 Test wickets in his final match.
800 Movie Characterization:
While MS Sripathy’s 800 successfully portrays the major milestones in Murali’s life, it misses some opportunities to further explore the complexities of his character. The film focuses on Murali’s equation with his captain Arjuna Ranatunga, played brilliantly by King Ratnam, but fails to delve into his relationships with other teammates. We are left wondering about their perception of Murali, especially as the only Tamil cricketer in the side. Additionally, the film could have dedicated more time to explaining the chucking allegation, which remains understated throughout the narrative.
800 movie Music & Visual:
The film’s music, composed by Ghibran, does a commendable job of adding emotional depth to the narrative. It effectively captures the essence of each scene, elevating the viewer’s engagement. From capturing the
On-field moments in a matter-of-fact way to injecting dramatic tension into Murali’s final test match, the film succeeds in showcasing the sporting achievements of a great talent. The visuals are well-captured, immersing the audience in the world of cricket and Murali’s journey.
800 movie Verdict:
Overall, MS Sripathy’s 800 is a dutiful biopic that successfully presents the major milestones in Muthiah Muralitharan’s life and career. It explores his identity as a Sri Lankan Tamil and his reputation in the cricketing world. While the film keeps the audience engaged with its inherent drama, there are missed opportunities for deeper exploration and emotional intensity. Nonetheless, it provides hope and inspiration to those with dreams and highlights the remarkable achievements of a great talent.
