The Kerala High Court has been informed that commercial filming for actor Mohanlal's movie 'Athimanoharam' cannot be permitted within the Periyar Tiger Reserve due to strict wildlife protection laws and government mandates.

  • Commercial filming prohibited in Periyar Tiger Reserve per government orders.
  • Director Tharun Moorthi approached the HC for shooting permissions.
  • Conflicting views emerged between the Deputy Director and Divisional Forest Officer.
  • Sabarimala temple restricts filming to devotional/mythological content only.

The Kerala High Court on Monday heard conflicting submissions regarding the permission to shoot the upcoming film 'Athimanoharam', starring superstar Mohanlal, within the ecologically sensitive Periyar Tiger Reserve. The court was informed that judicial and government mandates strictly prohibit the shooting of commercial films or television serials inside wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves.

The legal battle began when director Tharun Moorthi filed a plea seeking directions for the Divisional Forest Officer (Ranni) and the Deputy Director (Periyar West Division) to expedite his request for filming at Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Read Also:Pakistan Embassy Issues Strict Advisory to Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

A surprising internal contradiction within the Forest Department was revealed during the proceedings. The Deputy Director maintained that the requested sites are integral parts of the sanctuary and their legal status remains unchanged despite being leased to the Travancore Devaswom Board. Conversely, the Divisional Forest Officer suggested that filming could be permitted between August 18 and August 28, provided the necessary fees are paid and a formal agreement is signed.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights the recurring tension between high-budget cinematic ambitions and stringent environmental conservation laws. The conflict between two forest officials suggests a lack of administrative synchronization, which could lead to legal loopholes if not addressed.

The integrity of a Tiger Reserve depends on minimal human interference; granting exceptions for commercial cinema sets a dangerous precedent for wildlife conservation.

Adding another layer to the complexity, Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan stated that regular commercial films are not permitted at the Sabarimala temple. He emphasized that government policy only allows filming for devotional or mythological movies specifically related to Lord Ayyappa.

The bench, comprising justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, disposed of the plea after recording the opposing stands of the two forest authorities. The decision leaves the production house in a precarious position regarding their filming schedule.

Did You Know?: Periyar Tiger Reserve is renowned for its unique landscape and is one of the few places in India where elephants and tigers coexist in such high densities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is commercial filming banned in Tiger Reserves?
To prevent noise pollution, habitat destruction, and stress to wildlife caused by large crews and heavy equipment.

Q2: Can any film be shot at Sabarimala?
No, only devotional and mythological films centered around Lord Ayyappa are typically granted permission.