Mohanlal has resumed shooting for his upcoming Malayalam film Athimanoharam in the Pampa region near Sabarimala. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film marks the actor’s reunion with the filmmaker following their blockbuster Thudarum.
The latest schedule commenced on Tuesday after the Travancore Devaswom Board granted permission to film in Pampa and Nilakkal. However, the production team has faced restrictions over shooting in areas under the Forest Department’s jurisdiction. The Kerala High Court had considered the matter and taken note concerns about protecting pilgrims, forests and wildlife.
Athimanoharam Sabarimala Shoot Gets Devaswom Board Approval
has started its latest schedule in Pampa, with Mohanlal spotted in the uniform of his character, Sub Inspector TS Lovelajan. The film is written by Ratheesh Ravi and directed by ,with Meera Jasmine playing the female lead as Naicy. The Travancore Devaswom Board reportedly granted permission for the production to shoot in Pampa and Nilakkal. The approval, however, applies only to locations under the board’s jurisdiction. For areas controlled by the Forest Department, the makers required separate permission.
The Kerala High Court had earlier permitted filming at the Nilakkal bus stand and Pampa, subject to conditions aimed at ensuring that the shoot would not inconvenience pilgrims or disturb the forest and wildlife. The court considered submissions from the Forest Department while disposing of the plea filed by the makers. The production team had sought permission to film in Pampa and Sannidhanam. However, the Deputy Director of the Periyar Tiger Reserve rejected the request for filming in areas falling within the reserve.
Forest Department Denies Permission Beyond Pampa
The permissions for Athimanoharam differ based on the jurisdiction of the proposed shooting locations. While the Devaswom Board has allowed filming in Pampa and Nilakkal, the Forest Department has refused permission for locations within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The development comes amid a wider discussion over commercial film shoots at Sabarimala. Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan had earlier said that regular film productions should not be permitted at the temple.
Athimanoharam is being produced by Aashiq Usman under the banner of Aashiq Usman Productions and is being promoted as Mohanlal’s 366th film. The first-look poster featured the actor in police uniform amid a gathering of Sabarimala pilgrims. Meanwhile, Mohanlal has announced seven upcoming projects. The actor described the lineup as featuring “exciting stories, exciting journeys and some very special filmmakers.” He will take up filmmakers including Vishnu Mohan, Anoop Sathyan, Priyadarshan, Dileesh Pothan, Sathyan Anthikad, Jude Anthany Joseph and Jeethu Joseph.