Forest dept disrupts film shooting at Talacauvery

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 7, 2019: A Malayalam film unit shooting in the picturesque landscape of Talacauvery and Bhagamandala of  has drawn the ire of locals and environmentalists for violating various rules of Karnataka Forest Act and Indian Wildlife Act.

Following protests, the Karnataka Forest Department seized vehicles belonging to the crew of Malayalam film ‘Nalpathionnu’, directed by Lal Jose, and also asked them to stop the shooting with immediate effect. Sources in the department revealed to DH that permission was given to the Kerala based Signature Studios on 30th March to carry out shooting for four days subject to various conditions, as the chosen areas for shooting, Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, are located within the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

“The film crews were not supposed to take their private vehicles inside the wildlife area. However, they were found driving in with convoys of jeeps and SUVs,” a senior forest official from Kodagu circle told media.

Confirming the episode, Sanjai Mohan, Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) told DH that the department has seized two jeeps and an auto.