Mysuru: When it comes to film or serial or even advertisement shooting, Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Mandya district, is the first preference of film directors. The scenic beauty of the temple area, especially iconic kalyani, continues to attract the film crew.According to the details shared by the state endowment minister Ramalinga Reddy to a question raised by Mysuru-Mandya MLC Madhu G Madegowda, Rs 16,000 is charged per day for Kannada films, and Rs 20,000 per day for non-Kannada film shooting at the temple. Rs 5,000 is charged for serials and commercials.As per the data shared by the minister, till now Rs 12.3 lakh has been collected under this head in the temple. In the last three years (between 2022-23 and 2024-2), Rs 9.2 lakh was collected as the permission fee.During 2022-23, seven films, four serials, two Bharatanatyam performances, and three advertisements were shot in this temple premises. A Telugu film crew paid Rs 1.4 lakh, which is highest in that year.During 2023-24, nince films and two serials were shot, earning a revenue of Rs 2.4 lakh. During 2024-25, four serials and films were shot, generating a revenue of Rs 2 lakh.According to the data, the next popular temple in the region for shooting is Sri Kashi Vishwanatha temple, Gosai ghat, Srirangapatna. It earned a revenue of Rs 2.4 lakh. With Rs 75,000 revenue, Nimishamba temple in Srirangapatna is in the third position.Film and serial crews carried out shooting in eight grade A temples and six grade B temples, including famous Sri Chamundeshwari temple, Mysuru, Shrikanteshwara Swamy Temple, Nanjanagudu, Talakadu, etc.In his reply, minister Reddy informed that the revenue generated is used for the temple development, and there is no proposal to increase the fee.
