Melukote's Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Becomes Premier Film Shooting Hub
In the picturesque town of Melukote, located in Mandya district, Karnataka, the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple has firmly established itself as the go-to destination for film, serial, and advertisement shoots. The temple's stunning scenic beauty, particularly its iconic kalyani (stepped tank), consistently draws film crews from across the country, making it a top preference for directors seeking authentic and visually captivating backdrops.
Structured Fee System for Shooting Permissions
According to details provided by Karnataka's endowment minister, Ramalinga Reddy, in response to a query from Mysuru-Mandya MLC Madhu G Madegowda, the temple operates a clear fee structure for shooting permissions. For Kannada films, the charge is set at Rs 16,000 per day, while non-Kannada films incur a higher fee of Rs 20,000 per day. Additionally, serials and commercials are charged Rs 5,000 per day. This structured approach ensures transparency and generates steady revenue for the temple's upkeep and development.
Substantial Revenue Collection Over the Years
The financial impact of these shooting activities is significant. To date, the temple has collected a total of Rs 12.3 lakh under this revenue head. In the last three years alone, spanning from 2022-23 to 2024-25, Rs 9.2 lakh was amassed from permission fees. This highlights the growing popularity and economic contribution of the temple as a filming location.
Detailed Breakdown of Shooting Activities and Earnings
During the 2022-23 period, the temple premises hosted a diverse range of productions, including seven films, four serials, two Bharatanatyam performances, and three advertisements. Notably, a Telugu film crew paid Rs 1.4 lakh, marking the highest single revenue contribution for that year.
In 2023-24, activity continued with nine films and two serials shot, generating Rs 2.4 lakh in revenue. For 2024-25, four serials and films were filmed, bringing in Rs 2 lakh. These figures underscore the temple's consistent appeal and financial benefits from the entertainment industry.
Other Popular Temples in the Region for Filming
While Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple leads the pack, other temples in the region also attract film crews. The Sri Kashi Vishwanatha temple at Gosai ghat in Srirangapatna ranks second, having earned Rs 2.4 lakh from shootings. Following closely is the Nimishamba temple in Srirangapatna, which generated Rs 75,000, securing the third position. Overall, film and serial crews have conducted shoots in eight grade A temples and six grade B temples across Karnataka, including renowned sites like the Sri Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru and the Shrikanteshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjanagudu and Talakadu.
Revenue Utilization and Future Plans
In his official reply, Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that all revenue generated from shooting permissions is dedicated to temple development projects. This ensures that the funds directly contribute to preserving and enhancing the temple's infrastructure and cultural heritage. Importantly, he confirmed that there is currently no proposal to increase the shooting fees, maintaining affordability for filmmakers while sustaining revenue streams.
The Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple's success as a filming destination not only boosts local tourism but also supports its conservation efforts, showcasing a harmonious blend of cultural promotion and economic sustainability.
