Vijay Sethupathi opts out of Muttiah Muralitharan's biopic

Sri Lankan cricketing legend Muthiah Muralitharan asked actor Vijay Sethupathi, who was to star in his biopic '800', to step away from the project, following which the actor said "thanks and bye" suggesting that he has dropped out of the film.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Renowned Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi on Monday dropped out of '800' - the movie based on the life of Sri Lankan cricketer Muthiah Muralitharan, following massive outrage from Tamil groups.

The actor announced the development on Twitter, as he shared Muralitharan's statement with a "Thank you and good bye" message.

Earlier yesterday, Muralitharan had requested Sethupathi to opt out of his biopic considering the opposition.

The actor has been under tremendous pressure from some quarters to withdraw from the biopic project, the iconic cricketer said in a statement.

"I don't like an outstanding artist from Tamil Nadu to be affected because of me. I request him to step aside since he should not face unnecessary hurdles in his career in future," Muralitharan said.

The legendary sportsman said he agreed to a biopic on him as it would give enthusiasm and determination to future generations in addition to young cricketers and such an initiative too has confronted impediments.

Read:Sri Lanka cricketer tells actor Sethupathi to quit biopic

Expressing confidence that hurdles would be overcome, he said the producers have assured him that an announcement could be expected soon, apparently indicating that another actor shall be picked to reprise his career.

The actor's proposal to play the lead role also became a matter of heated debate in the social media.

Parties, including the MDMK, PMK and veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathirajaa were among those who had urged the actor to disassociate from the biopic.

They had alleged that Muralitharan was a betrayer of the Tamil people and supported the then Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the 2009 civil war.

Read:Kamal Haasan-Vijay Sethupathi virtual chat goes viral

The cricketer responded saying he never supported the killings of innocent people and would never do that.

He expressed anguish over him being accused as against the Tamils and asserted that it was for political reasons and out of ignorance.

Dar Motion Pictures, the producers, has said ''800'' was only a sports biography movie and it does not make any political statement.

(With inputs from agencies)