Never supported killings, Muralidaran on biopic"800" controversy

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Muthiah Muralidaran lands in an unusual controversy--  involving his upcoming biopic "800". He  has rubbished allegations that he celebrated the deaths of innocent Tamil people and made a controversial remark about it in 2009, when the decades-long civil war in the island nation ended."I had said that in 2009 -- to be the happiest day in my life, having in mind the end of the war and loss of lives on both sides. This remark is being twisted as,' The day Tamils were killed and heaped was the happiest day in my life'. I had never supported killing of innocents and I would never do (ever),"he said. Muralidaran's clarification comes as several Tamil groups and politicians in Tamil Nadu have urged actor Vijay Sethupathy - who is to play the role of the legendary off-spinner - to dump the film.

"I know the pain of the war. I grew up in Sri Lanka amid war for over 30 years. My father was hacked when I was seven. Many times, we were on the streets," he added. Explaining why he agreed to the film, the former cricketer said the biopic will bring recognition to his parents and the others who groomed him. "Muthiah played fiddle when Lankan Tamils were dying. What's the use of achieving as a sportsperson when he laughs when his own people die? As far as we are concerned, Muthiah has betrayed trust," Veteran Director Bharathiraja said. PMK Chief Dr P Ramadoss said, "If Vijay Sethupathy turns down the film, he would find place in the history of Tamil pride; if he does it, defying the opposition, he would find place in the history of betrayers".

The producers of the film, Dar Motion Pictures, however, say the film is "purely a sports biography" and it will not showcase any scenes that belittle the struggles Tamils in Sri Lanka.So far, no actor or film personality has commented in support of the actor's right to act in any film of his choice. Vijay Sethupathy himself is yet to respond.