Muthiah Muralidaran about 800, his Telugu cinema favourite and more

Muthiah Muralidaran was in Hyderabad to promote his biopic '800'. The former Sri Lankan bowling great’s biopic is directed by MS Sripathy. It is slated to be released in theatres on October 6. Sivalenka Krishna Prasad of Sridevi Movies is making elaborate arrangements to release the movie in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.

During his Hyderabad visit, Muralidaran spoke his mind. He said that the biopic comes with no embellishments and spice. Everything that happened behind the gaze of the world has been narrated truthfully and honestly.

The rise of Muthiah was phenomenal. So, when he was embroiled in the 'chucking' controversy in the late 1990s, it rallied the support of cricket lovers in his country.

Starring Madhur Mittal of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ fame in the lead role, the film is co-written by the Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka. Muralidan appreciates Madhur for behaving like him. "I didn't train him. He has done a very good job of portraying him," the cricketer says.

Muralidaran has undertaken philanthropic activities for the needy in Sri Lanka through his NGO.

He reveals that actor Nani is his Telugu cinema favourite, suggesting that his movies such as 'Jersey' are devoid of unrealistic action.   

Ghibran has composed the music for '800'. Mahima Nambiar will be seen as the wife of the former Sri Lankan cricketer in the movie.