#SHAMEONVIJAYSETHUPATHI CONTROVERSY: MAKERS OF ‘800’ FINALLY OPENS UP, ISSUES STATEMENT!

However, right after the first look was unveiled, there was a backlash from some of the fans against VJS for representing the cricketer which led to the hashtag #ShameonVijaySethupathi trend on Twitter - claiming that Muttiah is a supporter of the Sri Lankan Government which suppressed the LTTE (Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam), including facing accusations of genocide of Tamil people.

Due to the uproar against the film, the makers have issued a statement which read, “It came to our notice that our film "800", the biopic of Muthiah Muralidaran featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, is being politicized in many ways. However, we want to clarify that 800 is purely a sports biography film about the legendary cricket Muthiah Muralidaran.

The film is a journey about a man who hails from the Tamil migrant community, going on to become the highest wicket taker of all time. The film does not make any political statement favouring any community. This film is intended to be an inspiration for the young generation to achieve their dreams irrespective of the difficulties they come across in their journey.

We as producers assure that this film will not showcase any scene that would belittle the struggles of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka or hurt their sentiments in anyway.

On a positive note the film will engage the Tamil Film community in Sri Lanka providing the artists and technicians a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. Art is beyond boundaries; it unites people all across. Artists belong to the world. We wish to spread only Positivity, Love and Hope.