Mohanlal spotted in police uniform during ‘Athimanoharam’ shoot near Sabarimala

Dubai: Actor Mohanlal has commenced filming for the latest installment of Athimanoharam in the Pampa region near Sabarimala, sporting a police uniform for the movie. Tharun Moorthy directs the project, which reunites the veteran actor with director Tharun after their hit collaboration on Thudarum. However, the planned Sabarimala shoot has encountered hurdles, as the Kerala Forest Department has denied permission to film in the Sannidhanam and surrounding areas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, citing court and government orders restricting commercial film shoots in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

The Kerala High Court had previously permitted filming at designated locations within the Ranni Forest Division, including the Pampa KSRTC bus stand area and a tea shop near the Pampa petrol bunk, from August 18 to 28, provided the production team pays prescribed fees and signs an agreement with the Forest and Wildlife Department.

Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan expressed that commercial movie shoots are prohibited at the Sabarimala temple, following controversy related to initial permissions granted. Mahesh Babu plays police sub-inspector TS Lovelajan in the film, while Meera Jasmine portrays his wife, Naicy. The ensemble cast also features Jagadish, Binu Pappu, Manoj K Jayan, Lalu Alex, and Bhama Arun.

Produced by Ashiq Usman, Athimanoharam is penned by Ratheesh Ravi and features cinematography by Shaji Kumar and music composed by Jakes Bejoy. The film is set for a December 2026 theatrical release. Mohanlal has pledged his support to veteran actor Mohan Sharma in an old-age home.