JOIN US A controversy has erupted over the video shooting of a newly wed couple near the famous Ane Salu Mantapa (Elephant Stable) at Hampi.
It is learnt that it was not a video shoot, but the shooting of a Malayalam film. Film producers have to pay a fee of Rs 1 lakh to shoot at local monuments. But the producers, who are making the film on a shoe string budget, took an indirect route and shot the scenes with minimum equipment in the guise of tourists, it is said.
There are also complaints about the involvement of some officers and locals in this illegal incident.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rules, taking photographs and video recording using a handycam near the protected monuments are not banned. But shooting for commercial purposes is charged Rs 1 lakh.
The film crew has shot the scenes in the guise of tourists without getting permission by paying the prescribed fee, it is learnt.
A resident said a 100-member team is shooting the film at different places, including Hampi, from the past few days. They cannot shoot a film without the involvement of officials, he added.
Recently, a number of people had gathered near the Elephant Stable and Kamala Mahal to watch a video shoot of a couple.
Upon enquiry, a member of the team said they were just taking photographs of a newly wed couple without using a tripod stand as using the equipment is charged and added that they were from Kerala.
It is said that people, who produce films in low budget cannot afford to pay Rs 1 lakh fee, take this indirect route to shoot scenes. The fee was Rs 10,000 earlier and it has been hiked to Rs 1 lakh from April 1.
When contacted, ASI Deputy Superintendent (Hampi Circle) Prakash Naykand said a detailed investigation will be conducted about the incident. Suitable action will be taken against those who violate rules, he added.