Tourist Rush Surges After Movie Exposure
A previously quiet shrine in Karnataka’s Hassan district has seen a sharp increase in visitors after appearing in the Kannada film Premada Oorali. Male Malleshwara Temple, located in the Seegegudda Kaval Reserve Forest, has attracted growing attention from movie fans and travellers eager to see the landscape featured on screen.
Visitor numbers have reportedly climbed to more than 4,000 a day, compared with around 200–300 visitors per week before the film drew widespread attention to the location.
Heavy Footfall Raises Environmental Concerns
The sudden influx has created traffic congestion and concerns about littering and disturbance to the forest environment. Authorities are also worried about the impact of increased vehicle movement on wildlife in the area, where animals such as leopards and bears may be present.
Forest officials have cautioned that expanding facilities to accommodate large crowds could put additional pressure on the protected ecosystem.
Access Restrictions Considered
The district administration has examined the need for visitor facilities, including drinking water and parking. However, forest officials have raised concerns about whether large-scale tourism infrastructure would be suitable for the sensitive location.
Access to the connecting road has already been restricted by the forest department, and officials have discussed the possibility of temporarily closing the area to protect the forest.
The case highlights a growing challenge for film-driven tourism: while popular screen locations can attract visitors and generate local interest, managing crowds responsibly is essential to protect natural surroundings and wildlife.
