In an unexpected turn of events, actor Vijay Sethupathi whose casting in Muthiah Muralidaran's biopic had caused a controversy, has shared that he has been requested to step down from the film by the Sri Lankan cricketer himself. Considering Vijay Sethupathi only recently was interviewed stating that he has 'no intentions of backing down from the role' and the support pouring in for the actor from some fans and Kollywood celebs, the development comes across as shocking.

நன்றி.. வணக்கம் 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PMCPBDEgAC

— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) October 19, 2020

Muthiah Muralidaran in his request to Vijay Sethupathi has stated that Vijay Sethupathi is already facing pressure from certain sections because of misunderstandings about the cricketer's political leanings and that he 'does not want an artist like Sethupathi to be affected' because of the same.

Regarding the film 800, Muralidaran has said that the he believes his producers surely bring his biopic on-screen and that he will stand by whatever decisions they make in regards to the movie. Vijay Sethupathi on the other hand simply had a "Thank you" and a folded hands gesture as his response to be disassociating with the project.