Filmmaker recalls shooting with Mohanlal in Guna Caves

The Guna Caves, now a popular spot for many after the release of the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, has a history of being used as a movie set. 

'Gunaa', released in 1991 and featuring Kamal Hassan, was the first film to explore the mysterious caves near Kodaikanal. Contrary to popular belief, it was not 'Manjummel Boys' that was the first Malayalam film to be shot in Guna Caves but the 2010 thriller film 'Shikkar' starring Mohanlal. The climax scenes of the movie were filmed inside the caves.

Director Vinod Guruvayoor, who was the associate director of the movie, has recently shared the difficulties encountered by the crew during the filming of the scene at Guna Caves. He also recalled the risks taken by actor Mohanlal during the shooting. 

"When we reached the main location of Guna, we camped there. When we looked down, our heads started to spin. There were hidden crevices. Later, fight master Thyagarajan's team arrived at the location, and we resorted to using tree branches to secure the rope. We watched in awe as Mohanlal descended fearlessly down the rope. Lalettan often cautioned Ananya (actress) against looking down. Following each take, Padmakumar, Thyagarajan, and cameraman Manoj Pillai devised even riskier shots," he recalled in a Facebook post.