The upcoming Mohanlal-starrer ‘Athimanoharam’ has hit a roadblock over its planned Sabarimala shoot. The film team had hoped to shoot portions at the Sabarimala temple premises, but permission for filming at Sannidhanam has not been granted. The development comes as the makers prepare to complete the remaining portions of the highly anticipated Malayalam film.

Forest department denies filming at Sabarimala sannidhanam

According to a report by Mathrubhumi, the Forest Department has refused permission to shoot at the Sabarimala temple premises, citing the latest High Court order. The Sabarimala temple area falls within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, making approval from the Forest Department necessary for any filming activity there. The Travancore Devaswom Board had earlier given its approval for the shoot, subject to certain conditions. The makers were asked to submit the complete script and ensure that no part of the film would hurt the temple, religious beliefs or devotees’ sentiments. The production team was also required to deposit Rs 50,000 and secure the required Forest Department clearance.

‘Athimanoharam’ team gets permission up to Pampa

Although filming at Sannidhanam has been denied, the production has received permission to shoot up to Pampa in areas coming under the Ranni Forest Division. The team is expected to continue filming there. The restriction at Sabarimala means the makers will have to adjust their shooting plans for scenes expected to be filmed around the temple premises. A major portion of Athimanoharam is set against the Sabarimala backdrop, making the permission issue an important development for the production. Despite the setback, director Tharun Moorthy has reportedly completed nearly 80 per cent of the film’s shooting.

Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy reunite for ‘Athimanoharam’ after ‘Thudarum’ success

‘Athimanoharam’ marks another collaboration between Mohanlal and director Tharun Moorthy after their successful film ‘Thudarum.’ The new project features Meera Jasmine as the female lead, marking her collaboration with Mohanlal after a long gap. Mohanlal plays a police sub-inspector in the film. Apart from the Sabarimala and Pampa regions, the movie has also been filmed in Thodupuzha, Kochi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. With most of the shoot already completed, the makers are now working to wrap up the remaining portions. ‘Athimanoharam’ is currently planned as a Christmas release, keeping expectations high for the Mohanlal-Tharun Moorthy reunion.