Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan Says No Need for Film Shooting at Sabarimala
Pathanamthitta: Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has said there is no need for film shooting at Sabarimala, differing with the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) earlier decision to grant permission for the shooting of a Mohanlal-starrer.
The Forest Department had denied permission to shoot Athimanoharam, directed by Tharun Moorthy and starring Mohanlal, at Sabarimala. The department said filming could not be permitted within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which includes Sabarimala and Pamba.
Director Tharun Moorthy had approached the Kerala High Court challenging the Forest Department's decision, but did not receive a favourable order. As a result, shooting will not take place at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam or its surrounding areas.
Minister Muraleedharan said the government’s position is that only mythological films should be allowed to shoot at Sabarimala. It is also indicated that the minister has conveyed his displeasure to the TDB president over the issue.
Permission has, however, been granted for filming in areas under the Ranni Forest Division, which extends up to Nilakkal. The film’s shooting is scheduled to begin tomorrow in areas outside the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
The TDB had earlier granted permission for the film to shoot at Sabarimala, subject to conditions. The latest developments have brought the Board’s earlier decision under scrutiny following the Forest Department’s refusal to permit filming inside the reserve.