Sridevi Movies and Movie Train Motion Pictures’ 800 (dubbed from the Tamil film of the same name) is a sports biopic on the life and career of Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan. He holds the record for taking 800 wickets in Test Cricket. The story captures his childhood and his rise to fame, his oppression in Sri Lanka because he is a Tamilian and how he was called for chucking but yet went on to become one of the greatest cricketers ever.
M.S. Sripathy and Shehan Karunathilaka have jointly written an interesting story and screenplay based on true-life incidents which made Muralitharan the legend he became. The drama is interesting and because it is about cricket, it is also exciting. Having said that, it must be added that since the film was shot in Tamil, it boasts of a star cast which comprises Tamil film actors. Also, the cricketer is not from the Indian team but from the Sri Lankan team and, therefore, the sense of patriotism one often feels in biopics of the country’s heroes may not be felt here. Nevertheless, the drama is pretty engaging but it is also too lengthy. Supriya Nagar Gupte’s dialogues are good.
Madhur Mittal does very well as Muttiah Muralitharan. He brings the cricketer to life with his sincere portrayal. Mahima Nambiar is nice as Muralitharan’s wife, Madhimalar. Narain lends able support as Master. King Ratnam is alright as Arjuna Ranatunga. Nasser makes a wonderful mark as Mugunthan Sathasivam. Vela Ramamurty has his moments as Muttiah. Riythvika (as young Angammal) and Vadivukkarasi (as Angammal) provide fine support. Aruldoss (as Khader), Hari Krishnan (as Vinoth), Yog Japee (as Chandra Schaffer), Sharath Lohitashwa (as T.K. Hannan), Janaki Suresh (as Lakshmi), Rythvik (as the 6-year-old Murali) and Prithvi (as the 12-year-old Murali) lend very good support. Others do as desired.
M.S. Sripathy’s direction is nice. Ghibran’s background music is appealing and effective. R.D. Rajasekar’s cinematography is wonderful. Don Ashok’s stunts and action scenes are alright. Videsh’s production designing and Errol Kelly’s art direction are of a good standard. Praveen K.L.’s editing could’ve been sharper. Dubbing is up to the mark.
On the whole, 800 is a well-made film but its prospects in Hindi are dim — and not just because of lack of promotion by the producers and, therefore, poor awareness among the public about the film and its release.
Released on 6-10-’23 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru UFO Cine Media Network. Publicity & opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.