Actor Prithviraj has announced a new movie titled Ayappan. The actor shared a poster of the film – directed by writer Shankar Ramakrishnan – on Facebook.
Calling it a dream that he hoped would take off one day, the actor, in his Facebook post, said that the story was narrated to him years back. The poster shows him seated on a rock in the forest with a tiger in the foreground.
Based on the story of Lord Ayappa, whose temple Sabarimala, in Kerala is currently mired in controversy and protests, the actor ended his post with ‘Swamiye Saranamayappa’ – the holy chant uttered by a devotee of the Lord. Prithviraj also made it a point to state the fact that the script was narrated to him years back and that the actor wasn’t trying to cash in on the political climate prevailing in the state.
It’s been years..since Shankar first told me about this. And I’ve always dreamt of this taking off one day! Finally..#Ayyappanസ്വാമിയേ.. ശരണം അയ്യപ്പ!?
Posted by Prithviraj Sukumaran on Saturday, November 17, 2018
Housing a deity that is known primarily for being celibate, the temple had forbidden entry to menstruating women until the Supreme Court recently overturned the tradition, stating that restricting women based on their age would amount to discrimination.
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However, widespread protests have erupted in the state following this verdict and the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a review petition, while the current ruling would remain in effect. In the wake of the protests that have been happening, tight security has been deployed at the temple site and a slew of right-wing protesters and BJP leaders were taken into custody in the past few days.
Prithviraj, who is currently busy with his directorial debut Lucifer, a political thriller starring Mohanlal, hasn’t divulged many details about Ayappan. The movie will be produced by Shaji Natesan under the banner of August Cinemas, a production house Prithviraj helped co-found and remained partner at until he launched his independent production company, Prithviraj Productions, in March this year.