800 movie review: The biopic of Sri Lankan cricketer Mutthiah Muralitharan, titled 800, is all set for its OTT release. This 159-minute film begins with sports and drama: Murali (Madhur Mittal) needs a few wickets to reach the magical 800 mark in his final Test, but some stubborn batting by the Indian tailenders on one hand and menacing bowling by Malinga on the other threatens to derail the celebrations.
Earlier in the game, there was also some rain. It’s probably the sporting equivalent of Rajinikanth’s introduction sequence in Thalapathi, in which the actor fights some bad guys while drenched in rain. What is cricket if not about romance and drama?
800 movie details:
Director: M.S. Sripathy
Cast: Madhur Mittal, Mahima Nambiar, Yog Jagpee, and Nassar.
Genre: Sports and Drama
CBFC certification: U
Runtime: 2h 38m
IMDB rating: 9/10
Producers: Vivek Rangachari
Where to watch? Jiocinemas
Storyline: 800 transports us to the fields of Sri Lanka, where Muralitharan’s family struggles to make ends meet, despite the fact that a young Murali is a talented ball player. Toys aren’t enough for him in a hostel where he’s been admitted as a young boy. Milk doesn’t either. All Murali wants is a ball and the opportunity to bowl.
800 movie review:
Most sporting biopics have the difficult task of selecting the best high points in the protagonist’s life and presenting them as an assortment on the big screen. The issue for 800 director MS Sripathy, who has done an excellent job researching Muralitharan’s life, is the presence of multiple angles: a search for identity, a search for passion, and the many obstacles in his cricketing journey. Sripathy’s material lacks focus due to his attempt to cram all of these elements into his 159-minute runtime.
It does, however, have the highs. For the first time, Muralitharan discovers he can spin the ball, which brings him great joy. Or, much later, when he’s just a few inches away from the 800-wicket mark, a sequence that thankfully provides us with a tense last-ball finish. There’s also simmering tension in the scene where Murali confronts separatist groups, one of which is led by actor Narain.
Madhur Mittal as Mutthiah Muralitharan:
These sequences have a genuine feel to them. Take, for example, the lead actor, Madhur Mittal. Some audience members may be tempted to enter the ‘What if Vijay Sethupathi had played this role?’ debate, but Madhur is accurate in portraying Muralitharan, not only in demeanour and body language but also in his unconventional bowling action. It’s not just Madhur; 800 gets most of its secondary casting right, with King Ratnam as Arjuna Ranatunga being a standout.
RD Rajasekar’s camera not only captures the protagonist’s various moods as he tries to prove himself to the world but also provides visual insight into the cricket matches. The chucking controversy, which was a major part of Muralitharan’s career, received a lot of attention. While this is important to the story, it can be jarring for those who aren’t too interested in the game and its complexities. It may transport cricket fans back in time, but it lacks the firepower to reach a winning total.
Plus Points:
- Madhur Mittal flawlessly portrays the legendary cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. Madhur’s portrayal of the character is nuanced and effectively immerses the audience in the character.
- The second half of the film contains numerous scenes that are well-received by the audience, particularly those depicting the truth about Muralitharan’s bowling action.
- Certain emotional moments are handled well. Nassar’s role is notable, and he portrays it flawlessly, while the rest of the actors do their jobs well. Also, the Telugu dubbing is adequate.
Minus Points:
- The enjoyment of a well-known story, particularly one about a famous person, is largely dependent on its engaging narration. This is especially important for biopics, and it is here that M.S. Sripathy falls short of leaving a lasting impression.
- Audiences frequently seek a more in-depth examination of incidents they are already familiar with from a variety of sources. In the case of 800, Muttaih Muralitharan’s life is littered with such incidents. Regrettably, the director fails to establish an emotional connection with the audience while showcasing them.
- The screenplay could have been better crafted, providing ample opportunities to elevate several scenes that were sadly overlooked, resulting in a less memorable biopic.
- The musical score could have been better, and Ghibran bears responsibility for not emphasizing the emotional depth of key scenes.
Technical Aspects:
- M.S. Sripathy could have done a better job as a writer and director, at the very least in creating a refined biopic and paying tribute to the famous bowler.
- Ghibran’s inability to elevate scenes with his music frustrates his fans. Praveen K. L.’s editing could have been better. The cinematography and production values, on the other hand, are satisfactory.
Verdict:
Overall, 800 is a biopic that only works in parts. The film’s highlights are Madhur Mittal’s outstanding performance as Muttaih Muralitharan and a few emotional scenes in the second half. However, it suffers from a sluggish screenplay in both halves, a lack of high-impact moments, and a lack of emotional depth in some places. Those interested in learning about Muttaiah’s personal life rather than his cricketing career can see this film this weekend.
So, this was all about the 800 movie review. Also, Ahead of the 800 series, read Muttiah Muralitharan’s biography!
