Wanted to present a truthful story without cinematic glorification: Muralidaran
By Joanne Fernandes | Panjim
Engaging in a profound dialogue, the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa illuminated an 'In-conversation' session featuring the iconic cricketer Muthiah Muralidaran, accompanied by Madhurr Mittal, the cinematic embodiment of Murali in the biopic, "A Legendary 800." This event, defying all odds, stood out as a pinnacle of the festival's highlights.
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| Muthiah Muralidaran at an 'In Conversation' at IFFI54 |
Moderated by Komal Nahta, the session delved into the intricate layers of Murali's odyssey, tracing his trajectory from the shadows of obscurity to the zenith of cricketing eminence. Muralidaran, reflecting on a narrative that unfolded against the backdrop of war and uncertainty in Sri Lanka, confessed, "Cricket was my solace during those tumultuous times," evoking memories of childhood dreams that never envisioned donning school colors, let alone representing the nation.
The discussion seamlessly transitioned to the impending biopic, a chronicle of Murali's life where authenticity trumped glorification. Murali asserted, "It's not about glorification; it's about truth," underscoring his meticulous scrutiny of the script to ensure a faithful portrayal of his arduous journey.
Addressing the 'chucking controversy' in Australia in 1995, Murali revealed it was a deliberate attempt to thwart him. "It was a heartbreak, but I didn't give up," he asserted, emphasizing the unwavering support he received from teammates and cricket boards.
Sharing poignant moments from his cricketing life, Murali identified the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan as the darkest chapter. Beyond the boundaries, Muralidaran's philanthropic endeavors through the Foundation of Goodness emerged, dedicated to uplifting the Seenigama region across various domains.
Director Sripathy M divulged the film's essence, portraying not just a cricketing luminary but encapsulating the seismic events and struggles that defined Muralidaran's extraordinary life. "The film aims to capture the essence of a legend whose journey was as dramatic off the field as it was on," he articulated, emphasizing the film's departure from a conventional celebrity narrative.
Discussing the intricacies of crafting a biopic, Sripathy remarked, “There is no template or screenplay format. We wanted to make a truthful story of a legend, whose personal and professional life is too dramatic to handle.”
Madhurr Mittal, embodying Murali on screen, affirmed, “This is more than a sports film. It is a human drama and resilience of a great sportsperson, stronger than fiction.” Reflecting on his acting journey, Madhurr conveyed excitement and honor in portraying the cricketing legend, sharing the meticulous preparation, including two months of practicing with a bowling coach to honor Murali's legacy.
With an average of over six wickets per Test match, Muralidaran's legacy as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket's history is unquestionable. The biopic promises not just to celebrate his on-field achievements but to unravel the captivating off-field narrative that shaped Muralidaran's enduring mark on the cricketing landscape.
