Kerala Forest Department denies Sabarimala shoot for Mohanlal film

The Kerala Forest Department has denied permission for the upcoming film ‘Athimanoharam’, starring veteran actor Mohanlal, to shoot at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam and its surrounding areas. Because the temple premises and nearby locations fall within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, filming approval from the forest department is mandatory.

Director Tharun Moorthy approached the Kerala High Court seeking permission after the initial denial, but the court declined to interfere with the order issued by the Ranni Divisional Forest Officer. The denial also cites existing High Court restrictions regarding photography, videography, and the use of equipment like helicams in the high-security and sacred zones of the temple.

While the Devaswom Board had previously granted conditional permission—subject to script review and ensuring no harm to religious tenets—the forest department's refusal remains the primary obstacle. Filming is currently restricted to the Nilakkal and Pamba areas.