Narivetta director Anuraj Manohar records statement in alleged unauthorised film shoot at Sabarimala

Director Anuraj Manohar, best known for helming the Shane Nigam-Shine Tom Chacko starrer Ishq and Tovino Thomas's Narivetta, has given a statement to Devaswom Vigilance in connection with the controversy over an alleged unauthorised film shoot at Sabarimala on the day of Makaravilakku, maintaining that the filming did not take place at the Sannidhanam.

Vigilance officials recorded his statement at his residence in Kochi. Anuraj told investigators that the shoot was carried out at Pampa Hilltop and not within the Sannidhanam area, where permission had been previously denied. According to officials, the Devaswom Vigilance probe is in its final stage.

The controversy centres on allegations that filming was conducted without authorisation on the heavily crowded Makaravilakku day, despite a High Court restriction and the Devaswom Board’s refusal to grant permission. Anuraj had earlier approached the Devaswom Board seeking approval to shoot at the Sannidhanam, but the request was rejected, citing the court ban and practical difficulties due to crowd control. Police had also reportedly denied permission, stating that only accredited media personnel are allowed access to certain areas.

Complaints later alleged that filming was carried out in zones earmarked for media personnel. Responding to this, Anuraj told investigators that the location was chosen as Pampa forms the backdrop of the film. In his statement, the director said, “Permission was sought at the place where the media stands in Sannidhanam. Pampa is the backdrop of the film. It is true that the devaswom board president denied permission. Later, I met ADGP S Sreejith at Sannidhanam. He asked me to shoot in Pampa. Let the investigation proceed.”

The case has widened with the Forest Department registering a separate offence against Anuraj for alleged trespassing and unauthorised filming within forest land. Officials are examining whether the shoot location falls under the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Ranni division.

Anuraj had earlier announced a film titled Shekara Varma Rajavu, to be headlined by Nivin Pauly, though it is not yet clear whether the project involved in the present controversy is the same film.