Shooting of actor Mohanlal's film can't be allowed in Periyar Tiger Reserve, HC told

The Kerala High Court heard conflicting submissions on permission to shoot Mohanlal's film, Athimanoharam, in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The dispute brings wildlife restrictions and Sabarimala's long-standing limits on regular film shoots into sharp focus.The Divisional Forest Officer told the Kerala High Court that shooting of Mohanlal's film could be allowed at certain locations named in the application during the August 18-28 period.The Kerala High Court was on Monday told that permission cannot be granted to shoot a film starring Mohanlal in areas within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, as judicial and government orders bar the shooting of commercial films or television serials inside wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves. The submission came from the deputy director of the reserve in response to a plea by Malayalam director Tharun Moorthi over permission for his film 'Athimanoharam'.At the same time, the Divisional Forest Officer told the court that shooting could be permitted at specific locations mentioned in the application from August 18 to August 28, subject to payment of the prescribed fee and execution of the required agreement with the Forest and Wildlife Department.In view of the differing stands of the two authorities, a bench of justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar disposed of the plea, while Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan separately said regular film shoots are not allowed at Sabarimala.Moorthi had moved the court seeking directions to the Divisional Forest Officer, Ranni, and the deputy director, Periyar West Division, Peerumedu, to expeditiously decide his request to shoot 'Athimanoharam' at Pamba and Sannidhanam. The deputy director said the places referred to in the representation form part and parcel of the sanctuary and, though they have been leased or diverted in favour of the Travancore Devaswom Board to facilitate the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the legal status of the leased or diverted forest land remains unchanged.The Divisional Forest Officer, however, told the court that filming could be allowed at certain locations named in the application during the August 18-28 period, provided the prescribed charges are paid and the necessary agreement is signed with the Forest and Wildlife Department. After recording the stands of both authorities, the bench disposed of the petition. Earlier in the day, Muraleedharan said film shooting is not generally allowed at the Sabarimala temple and that permission is usually given only for devotional films related to Lord Ayyappa.Reacting to reports about the shooting of a Mohanlal-starrer and allegations that the Devaswom had denied permission, he said, "No, that has not come to my attention. I will inquire about it. I have only come to know about it through media reports. Other than that, nothing has come to my attention."The minister also said regular films cannot be shot at Sabarimala. "Yes, shooting is not allowed at Sabarimala. Film shooting is not allowed at Sabarimala. Permission is usually given only for devotional films and mythological films related to Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala. Ordinary films are not allowed," he said. adding, "Such permission cannot be given in temples. That is the government's policy."- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 18, 2026 09:30 IST