The serene banks of Malankara reservoir – Malayalam cinema’s very own 'Hollywood'!

Idukki: A film set is currently being erected on the serene banks of Malankara Dam in Idukki, drawing the curiosity of passing tourists. But for the local villagers living along the reservoir's edge, it’s a sight they’ve grown accustomed to.

Over the past decade and a half, more than 50 Malayalam films – including the industry’s first ₹50-crore blockbuster Drishyam – have been shot in the picturesque villages near Thodupuzha. Much like Hollywood serves American cinema, Malankara has become a go-to destination for Malayalam filmmakers. It is now often referred to as "Malayalam cinema’s very own Hollywood."

Superstars feel like family here

The primary shooting locations are the villages of Kaippakkavala and Anakkayam, nestled along the banks of the reservoir. Nearby areas such as Perunkozhuppu, Vayanakavu, and parts of Kudayathoor and Alakode panchayats also frequently feature in films. The region offers stunning visuals: the Malankara reservoir, Kanjar, Vadakkanar, Anakkayam bridge, lush green islets, and scenic hills all serve as natural backdrops.

Apart from its natural charm, the area offers several practical advantages that make it attractive to filmmakers. These include low-cost rental space thanks to the Muvattupuzha irrigation project, better road connectivity, proximity to Cochin International Airport, quality resorts, and other affordable logistical conveniences.

The beauty of the region came into the spotlight after the filming of Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, directed by Vinayan and starring Kalabhavan Mani. This was followed by Rasathanthram, a Mohanlal–Sathyan Anthikad film, which used the reservoir banks as its primary location, further boosting the area’s popularity among film crews.

A star-studded filmography

Several acclaimed films have been shot here, including Vajram starring Mammootty, Kunjikoonan featuring Dileep, Swapna SancharI with Jayaram, Salaam Kashmier, Nivin Pauly’s Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Suresh Gopi and Kunchacko Boban’s Swapnam Kondu Thulabharam, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, Paappi Appacha, Kunchacko Boban’s Elsamma Enna Aankutty, 101 Weddings, and Jayasurya’s Aadu and Aadu 2.

The 2018 disaster-drama 2018, starring Tovino Thomas and others, which portrayed the Kerala floods, was also filmed here. Other titles include Prithviraj’s Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum, I.V. Sasi’s final film Vellathooval, Sunny Wayne’s Anugraheethan Antony, Biju Menon’s Vellimoonga, and Aju Varghese’s Swargam.

The iconic Drishyam, directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal, also used this region as a major filming location. Currently, a film starring Dhyan Sreenivasan is under production, with the set being constructed in Vayanakavu.

Locals say they have grown so used to the presence of stars that many now consider them “like family.”