The set built for the movie ‘Minnal Murali’ starring Tovino Thomas has been completely demolished by the makers of the film. The set was built in the style of a Christian shrine in the premise of Aluva temple. The set was demolished at the request of Kalady Manappuram temple community. This is, especially in view of the possibility of Aluva Manappuram catching water as the monsoon has begun. Earlier, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal activists, the youth wing of the International Hindu Parishad, has attacked and partly demolished the set, giving way for mass protests across social media. The mastermind behind the incident, Bajrang Dal, Ernakulam Vibhag president Ratheesh Malayattoor and several others were arrested. Ratheesh Malayattoor is an accused in many cases including murder.
The set was built before the lockdown was announced, and shooting was permitted by the authorities. However, by the time the set was finished, the nation had gone into locked down, with the advent of coronavirus. ‘Minnal Murali’ is the third directorial venture of Basil Joseph after ‘Kunjiramayanam’ and ‘Goda’. The film is being produced by Mrs. Sophia Paul under the banner of Weekend Blockbusters.