Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], August 17 : The Kerala Forest Department has not granted permission for veteran actor Mohanlal's upcoming film 'Athimanoharam' to shoot at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
The Sabarimala Sannidhanam and its surrounding areas fall within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, where filming permission has not been granted, officials said. As a result, the production can't take place at the Sannidhanam or in nearby areas.
The Forest Department denied permission, citing the latest order issued by the Kerala High Court, which has previously placed stringent restrictions and bans on general photography, videography, and the use of equipment like helicams within the high-security and sacred zones of the Sabarimala temple.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, 'Athimanoharam' marks the reunion of Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy after 'Thudarum'. The film is also the first Mohanlal project under the banner of Aashiq Usman Productions.
The screenplay is penned by Ratheesh Ravi while Shaji Kumar, who has previously collaborated with Mohanlal on films such as Thudarum, serves as the cinematographer.
Mohanlal stars as Loulajan, a police sub-inspector whose seemingly routine life takes an unexpected turn as a series of dramatic events unfold both in his personal and professional life. Meera Jasmine has been cast as the female lead.
Mohanlal will also be seen in director Jude Anthany Joseph's film.
The actor recently shared a snap with Jude Anthany Joseph on his X handle while announcing the collaboration with the director. The movie is slated to release next year.