“800: The Movie,” a biographical film chronicling the life of the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, has hit theaters today. Madhur Mittal, renowned for his role in Slumdog Millionaire, takes on the challenging role of portraying Muralitharan in this sports drama. Dive into our review for a comprehensive assessment of the film’s performance.
Plot Overview:
The narrative unfolds the compelling journey of Muttiah Muralitharan, an iconic figure in the world of cricket. It delves into both his personal and professional life, shedding light on the challenges faced by his family amidst the ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka. The storyline navigates through Muralitharan’s pre and post-international cricket struggles, along with the controversies surrounding his distinctive bowling action.
Highlights:
Madhur Mittal delivers an impeccable performance, skillfully embodying the essence of the legendary cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. His nuanced portrayal effectively immerses the audience in the character, making for a captivating viewing experience.
The second half of the film features several impactful scenes, particularly those unveiling the truth about Muralitharan’s bowling technique. Emotional moments are executed with precision, with notable performances from Nassar and the supporting cast. The Telugu dubbing also meets satisfactory standards.
Drawbacks:
The engagement level of a well-known story, especially one about a prominent personality, heavily relies on an engaging narrative. In this aspect, director M.S. Sripathy falls short, failing to leave a lasting impression.
While audiences anticipate a deeper exploration of familiar incidents, the film struggles to establish an emotional connection. The screenplay could have been more finely crafted, missed opportunities resulted in a less memorable biopic.
The musical score by Ghibran could have added emotional depth to key scenes but falls short of expectations. This, coupled with a lack of high-impact moments, detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Technical Evaluation:
Director M.S. Sripathy could have done a better job in creating a refined biopic that pays homage to the renowned bowler. Ghibran’s inability to elevate scenes through his music disappoints, and editing by Praveen K. L. could have been crisper. Nonetheless, cinematography and production values maintain a satisfactory standard.
Conclusion:
“800” emerges as a biopic with notable strengths but also noticeable shortcomings. Madhur Mittal’s outstanding performance and emotionally charged scenes in the second half stand out as highlights. However, the film is hindered by a sluggish screenplay, a lack of impactful moments, and emotional depth in certain segments. Those intrigued by Muttiah Muralitharan’s personal life more than his cricketing career may find this movie worth watching this weekend.