TDB Approves ‘Athimanoharam’ Film Shooting at Sabarimala; Mohanlal–Tharun Moorthy
Sabarimala: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has granted conditional permission for the shooting of ‘Athimanoharam’, the upcoming Mohanlal-starrer directed by Tharun Moorthy, at Sabarimala.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The Sabarimala shooting is scheduled to take place on August 18, 19, and 20 as part of the film’s second schedule.
The permission covers filming at Sannidhanam and surrounding areas and comes with specific conditions to protect the sanctity and religious significance of the pilgrimage centre.
As part of the approval, the filmmakers have been directed to submit the complete screenplay to the Devaswom Board. The script must not contain any scenes, references or content that could portray Sabarimala, its temple traditions or religious beliefs in a derogatory manner.
The production team must also deposit ₹50,000 with the Board before commencing the shoot. Separate permission from the Forest Department will be mandatory for filming in areas under its jurisdiction.
Earlier, controversy arose over the unauthorised shooting of a film at Sabarimala during the Makaravilakku season. This time, the filmmakers formally applied to the Devaswom Board for permission, and the request was approved with certain conditions.
The Sabarimala sequences will be filmed as part of the film’s second schedule. Director Tharun Moorthy recently visited the Devaswom Board office and held discussions with TDB President K. Jayakumar and other officials regarding the proposed shoot.
Mohanlal to Play Police Sub-Inspector
The film’s first-look poster, released earlier, featured Mohanlal in a police uniform among Ayyappa devotees travelling towards Sabarimala.
‘Athimanoharam’ centres on Loula Jan, an ordinary police Sub-Inspector, and explores the events unfolding in both his professional and personal life. The film is expected to present the character’s journey through a series of intense and dramatic situations.
‘Athimanoharam’ marks the second collaboration between Mohanlal and director Tharun Moorthy following their previous film ‘Thudarum’.
The project also marks Mohanlal’s first film under the banner of Aashiq Usman Productions. The screenplay is written by Ratheesh Ravi, while Shaji Kumar serves as the cinematographer.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Shaji Kumar has previously handled cinematography for several successful Mohanlal films, including ‘Thudarum’.
With the Devaswom Board’s approval now in place, the Sabarimala schedule is set to add a significant backdrop to the upcoming Mohanlal-led project.