Director Anuraj Manohar Admits Mistake in Pampa Hilltop Shoot, Faces Legal Action
In a significant development regarding the controversial Pampa hilltop filming incident, director Anuraj Manohar has officially provided his statement to officers at the Plappally Forest Station. The director reportedly confessed that the shoot at the Pampa hilltop location occurred by mistake and expressed his willingness to pay any applicable fines for the violation.
Forest Department Launches Detailed Investigation
Officers from the Forest Department have already conducted a physical inspection of the hilltop location where the filming took place. Their primary objective is to thoroughly examine whether any environmental or regulatory rules were breached during the shooting activities on that particular day.
The Forest Department has decided to expand their investigation by consulting with additional experts, as confirmed by reports from Asianet News. Authorities are particularly interested in hearing from the technical team involved in the production to gain comprehensive insights into the filming process.
Furthermore, the forest officials have issued a formal directive to the film crew, requiring them to present all camera equipment used during the shoot. The production team must also provide the actual footage captured at the location for evidentiary purposes.
Permission Controversy Surrounds the Shoot
Prior to this incident, director Anuraj Manohar had publicly stated that K. Jayakumar, the president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, had explicitly denied permission for shooting at the Pampa location. The director also claimed he had informed S. Sreejith about the filming plans, yet the shoot proceeded regardless of these communication attempts.
The situation is particularly sensitive because the filming area falls under the jurisdiction of the Ranni Forest Division. Most significantly, the shooting occurred on Makaravilakku day, a special religious occasion when forest authorities typically prohibit all filming activities. Due to this timing violation, the Forest Department has officially declared that multiple rules were broken during the unauthorized shoot.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Team
Reports confirm that a formal case has been registered at the Plappally Station under the Goodrical Range, which operates as part of the Ranni Forest Division. Officers have meticulously documented the complete complaint, specifically noting that filming was conducted at the Pampa hilltop without obtaining necessary approvals.
The investigative report has been formally submitted to the Ranni Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, initiating legal proceedings against the director and his production team. All parties involved must now prepare to address the court's questions regarding the unauthorized filming incident.
Understanding Forest Filming Regulations
For those unfamiliar with forest filming protocols, any individual or production team wishing to shoot in forest areas must obtain official permission beforehand. The standard procedure requires payment of Rs 25,000 for each day of shooting, along with an additional Rs 25,000 security deposit. Only after completing these financial requirements does the Forest Department issue written authorization for filming activities.
Forest officers emphasized that had these established procedures been properly followed, no legal case would have been necessary. The fee structure and permission process serve crucial protective functions for preserving forest ecosystems and maintaining regulatory oversight.
Because the filming occurred on a day when permissions are categorically prohibited, the production team has clearly violated multiple regulations. Director Anuraj Manohar and his associates must now navigate the legal consequences while answering all investigative questions from authorities.
Anuraj Manohar previously directed the Tovino Thomas-starring film 'Narivetta,' which adds context to his professional background as this investigation unfolds. The entertainment industry watches closely as this case establishes important precedents regarding filming permissions in protected forest areas.
