Muthiah Muralidaran's Biopic '800' Is Set To Hit 1100 Screens Across India: Producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad

Muthiah Muralidaran, the iconic off-spinner, is revered by fans across the globe for his unique talent, and he holds the record for the most wickets in International Test cricket, with 800. '800,' a grand sports-based film portraying his life, has been produced by Movie Train Motion Pictures. Madhur Mittal, known for his role in 'Slumdog Millionaire,' takes on the role of Muralidaran. Directed by MS Sripathy, the film is poised for a grand theatrical release on October 6th. Sivalenka Krishna Prasad, the renowned Tollywood producer and head of Sridevi Movies, has secured the All-India theatrical rights for the movie.

Krishna Prasad recently engaged with the media before the film's highly anticipated release. Here are the highlights of the conversation:

Q: You have known director MS Sripathy for many years. How did your journey start out?

A: My uncle, SP Balasubramaniam Garu, and I had a common friend who knew Sripathy, a Telugu-speaking individual from a Telugu family settled in Coimbatore. Sripathy's passion for filmmaking led him to complete some filmmaking courses. He began as an assistant director when SP Charan remade 'Varsham' in Tamil. I had the chance to oversee all the production work for that film. Subsequently, Sripathy worked in the direction department for several films under Tamil filmmaker Venkat Prabhu. We were eager to introduce him as a director of our production company. If I had known that I would have the opportunity to produce Muralidaran's biopic, I would have gladly accepted it.

Q: At which point did you take over '800'?

A: I received a call from Sripathy in the first week of August, requesting that I take over the project. Throughout the project's development and production, he kept me informed, even when he was in London or Sri Lanka. I suggested he discuss the proposal with Muralidaran first. Half an hour later, I received a call from Muralidaran, expressing his happiness if I took over '800.'

Q: As a producer, you have always been closely involved in the filmmaking process. Did you make any changes or additions to '800' after taking it over?

A: '800' is a biopic, and there's not much that can be altered in a biographical account. It has been crafted as it should be. However, it's essential to note that this is not a documentary. Muralidaran's life is filled with compelling elements that resonate with the audience. He faced incredible challenges, and viewers will be amazed to witness these moments on the big screen. Sripathy sought Muralidaran's approval for every scene, as we wanted to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

Q: We heard that Telugu actor Nani also heard the story. Is that correct?

A: Yes, that's correct. Initially, Vijay Sethupathy was slated to play the lead role. However, due to controversies in Tamil Nadu, he withdrew from the project. Subsequently, Sripathy approached both me and Nani with the script. At that time, only a year and a half had passed since Nani's performance in 'Jersey,' and he wasn't eager to take on another cricket-themed film. However, Muralidaran holds Nani in high regard, and Nani agreed to listen to the script. He found it to be exceptionally well-written.

Q: You've had the opportunity to meet legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Anil Kumble during the promotional campaign for '800.' What memorable experiences have you had?

A: Meeting these cricket legends has been an incredible experience. I've discovered that they are incredibly down-to-earth individuals.

Q: How many theatres will the movie be released in?

A: In India, we are releasing '800' in approximately 1100 theatres, with a focus on multiplex screens. We plan to gradually expand the screen count. Overseas distribution is being handled by Lyca Productions. In the Telugu States, Suniel Narang is overseeing distribution in Nizam, Dil Raju in Visakhapatnam and Uttarandhra, Geeta Film Distribution in East Godavari, LVR in West Godavari, Annapurna Studios in Krishna, Anjali Pictures' Bhaskar Reddy in Nellore, and S Cinemas in Ceded. Padmakar Cinemas is handling Guntur, and UFO, known for distributing 'Yashoda' in North India, is also distributing our film.

Q: Is the movie being released in Sri Lanka as well? Are you involved in the release formalities there?

A: No, I am primarily responsible for the release in India. Muralidaran is overseeing the Sri Lankan release. The film has been produced in Tamil, and I suggested that it should be dubbed in Telugu and Hindi only.

Q: Muralidaran recently mentioned that he has watched many Telugu movies. Have there been any discussions related to movies between you two?

A: Muralidaran has indeed watched many Telugu movies, including those dubbed into Tamil. He has connections with people from Tollywood, and one of them is Victory Venkatesh. Venkatesh was supposed to attend a recent pre-release event but couldn't make it due to 'Saindhav' shooting commitments. However, he called and had a conversation.

Q: What are your upcoming projects as a producer?

A: Sripathy's next film is in collaboration with me, and we also have a project with directors Hari and Hareesh, known for 'Yashoda.' The script work for several films is already complete. We are in discussions with director Pavan Sadineni, and Sai Shekhar, the director of Siddhartha's 'Vadaladu,' recently presented a story. We have several projects in the pipeline, and once the lead cast is finalized, we will make official announcements. I have always strived to explore diverse genres in filmmaking, as seen with 'Gentleman,' 'Sammohanam,' and 'Yashoda,' each offering a unique cinematic experience.