Vijay Sethupathi’s reply to Muthiah Muralidharan’s statement leaves his fans scratch their head
Over the last week, the announcement of a biopic on legendary off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has caused a heated controversy in Tamil Nadu. Several political parties and Tamil nationalist sympathisers have claimed that the movie an attempt to whitewash a figure who is problematic in Sri Lanka. Many believe that the actor Vijay Sethupathi, a rising star of Tamil cinema, should not become a vehicle to glorify Muralitharan, whose politics, they allege, has damaged to the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.
In a statement from United Arab Emirates, former Sri Lankan legend Muralitharan, who is currently working as a bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad team playing in the Indian Premier League, said that “he doesn’t want to be reason to derail the career of a great artist like Vijay Sethupathi.” the cricketer said he had asked Sethupathi to withdraw from the project to ensure the actor’s career is not affected by the association.
“Hello I am releasing this report due to the controversy caused by some people in Tamil Nadu around my autobiographical film 800. I know that some people are putting a lot of pressure on Vijay Sethupathi to step down from the film 800. I request Vijay Sethupathi to withdraw from the film, keeping in mind that an artist should not be faced by unnecessary obstacles in their future. He should not suffer any unnecessary obstacles in his career as an artist in future. Therefore, I request him to move away.I have never felt fatigued because of setbacks and has always won against all odds to reach where I have today.
நன்றி.. வணக்கம் 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PMCPBDEgAC
— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) October 19, 2020
I was never tired of the obstacles I faced every time and I was able to reach this stage by overcoming it all. I agreed to the autobiographical film, thinking that it would be an inspiration to future generations and young cricketers. But there have been many obstacles. I hope that this film would be made despite these obstacles. I have been given assurances by the production house that they would make an announcement soon and I will stand by them for all their efforts. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have supported me.” Vijay Sethupathi acknowledged the tweet with the words ‘Nandri, Vanakkam’, which is used as a sign off in Tamil. Vijay Sethupathi’s response to Muralitharan’s statement has caused confusion, of whether the actor would continue to act amidst the strong protest.
