📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / SidhardhRamesh
Entertainment
Mohanlal’s ‘Athimanoharam’ Begins Shooting at Sabarimala Despite Minister’s Ban
✍️ India Today
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 04:37 AM
👁 16
Veteran actor Mohanlal started filming his new movie ‘Athimanoharam’ at the Sabarimala temple area, even as a state minister has imposed a ban on film shoots there.
Veteran Malayalam star Mohanlal has commenced the principal photography of his upcoming film "Athimanoharam" at the Sabarimala pilgrimage site in Kerala. The shoot began on Monday, with the actor and his crew setting up equipment near the temple complex.
The filming proceeds despite a recent directive from a senior minister who ordered a ban on all film and media shoots within the Sabarimala premises, citing concerns over the sanctity of the holy site and potential disruption to devotees. Officials have not publicly clarified whether any special permission was granted for this particular project.
India Today reported the development, noting that the ban has sparked debate among filmmakers and religious authorities about balancing cultural heritage protection with artistic activity. The production team has not commented on how they are addressing the minister’s order.
The film, expected to release later this year, marks another high‑profile project for Mohanlal, who continues to draw large audiences across South India. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the entertainment industry and religious institutions over access to sacred locations.
The filming proceeds despite a recent directive from a senior minister who ordered a ban on all film and media shoots within the Sabarimala premises, citing concerns over the sanctity of the holy site and potential disruption to devotees. Officials have not publicly clarified whether any special permission was granted for this particular project.
India Today reported the development, noting that the ban has sparked debate among filmmakers and religious authorities about balancing cultural heritage protection with artistic activity. The production team has not commented on how they are addressing the minister’s order.
The film, expected to release later this year, marks another high‑profile project for Mohanlal, who continues to draw large audiences across South India. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the entertainment industry and religious institutions over access to sacred locations.