800 Movie Review: 800 is a captivating movie that takes us deep into the life of the famous Sri Lankan cricketer, Muttiah Muralitharan. Directed by MS Sripathi, this film tells the story of a man who faced many challenges both on and off the cricket field.
Movie: 800 Actors: Madhur Mittal, Mahima Nambiar, Naren, Vela and others Producer: Vivek Rangachari Presented by: Shivalenka Krishna Prasad Cinematography: RD Rajasekhar Editing: Praveen KL Music: Gibran Written and Directed by: MS Sripathi Banner: Movie Train Motion Pictures Release Date: 06-10-2023
Story: Muttiah Muralitharan was born and brought up in a Tamil family working in tea gardens. The family established a biscuit factory in Kandy, Sri Lanka. In the 70s, there were clashes between the Sinhala-speaking community and the Tamil-speaking community. After this, Muralitharan’s family moves away and goes into hiding, risking their lives. What did Muttiah’s parents do so that the fights did not affect their child? When did Muttiah get interested in cricket? How was it formed? How did he get a place in the Sri Lankan team? What kind of humiliations and challenges did Ratudella face as a player? Read below the 800 movie review…
The movie starts by showing Muralitharan’s early life in a Tamil family working in tea gardens during a difficult time in Sri Lanka’s history. It highlights how his parents protected him from the troubles of the world around them. As we watch, we see Muttiah’s growing love for cricket and how he transforms from a young boy into a passionate spinner.
Madhur Mittal, who plays Muttiah Muralitharan, does a great job capturing Muralitharan’s character, although there could have been better physical resemblance in some scenes. Nevertheless, Mittal effectively portrays the emotions and challenges faced by the cricketer throughout his life.
The first half of the film focuses on Muralitharan’s struggle to make it into the Sri Lankan cricket team. It shows the discrimination faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka, which adds depth to Muralitharan’s personal journey. The pacing of this part of the film keeps the audience engaged, and Madhur Mittal’s portrayal of Muttiah’s determination shines through.
As the story continues, we see the ups and downs of Muralitharan’s career, including the controversies surrounding his bowling technique. The film successfully portrays the immense pressure Muttiah faced and his strength in overcoming these challenges. These moments resonate with the audience and make “800” an inspiring watch.
The supporting cast, In the movie “800,” Madhur Mittal portrayed Muttiah Muralidharan’s character admirably, capturing his bowling style and demeanor effectively. However, the physical resemblance wasn’t consistently convincing until the French-cut beard and mustache look. Nevertheless, the portrayal conveyed the emotions well. Mahima Nambiar briefly appears as Murali’s wife Madimalar, while Nazar leads the story. The depiction of cricketing legends like Ranatunga, Kapil Dev, and Shane Warne is praiseworthy.
From a technical perspective, “800” excels. RD Rajasekhar’s cinematography beautifully captures the essence of cricket, and Gibran’s music adds emotional depth to the film. Praveen KL’s editing ensures a smooth flow of the story, although some scenes feel a bit like a documentary, which can disconnect the viewer from the emotions.
Director MS Sripathi does a commendable job depicting Muralitharan’s life, but there’s room for improvement in emotionally engaging the audience. While the film covers various aspects of Muttiah’s life, it misses the chance to deliver some of the key moments of his sporting career with the excitement they deserve, especially his 800th wicket.
In conclusion, “800” is an inspiring biographical film that sheds light on the remarkable journey of Muttiah Muralitharan. It beautifully captures his struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that made him a cricketing legend. Although there are moments where the emotional connection could be stronger, the film is a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts and anyone seeking a story of resilience and determination.
