VAGAMON, IDUKKI: The scenic hill station of Vagamon became the setting for a special Onam celebration as the cast and crew of Malayalam film ‘Mayan – Chapter 1’ came together for a festive gathering while filming was underway in the region.

Around 150 members of the film team, including actors, technicians and other unit members, participated in the celebration held at a convention centre in Vagamon on August 28. The film is currently being shot across the Kuttikkanam–Vagamon region, bringing a major Malayalam film production to the hill destination during the Onam season.

Leading actor Jayasurya was among those who attended the celebration, along with producer Vijay Babu and actors including Nyla Usha, Arsha Baiju, Jibin Gopinath and Vaishnavi. Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose attended the gathering as a special guest.

Onam celebration during a busy shooting schedule

While film productions traditionally take a break during the Onam holidays to allow members of the industry to celebrate with their families, the shooting of Mayan – Chapter 1 has continued through the festive period. The Vagamon celebration provided an opportunity for the entire unit to come together and observe the festival while remaining at the shooting location. 

Addressing the gathering, Dean Kuriakose said that although he had participated in numerous Onam celebrations as a public representative, this was his first opportunity to celebrate the festival together with a film crew. He extended his support to the production team filming in Vagamon and wished the movie success.

Jayasurya highlighted the importance of bringing people together during festivals and expressed hope that such gatherings would help preserve and reconnect people with Kerala's traditional customs and cultural heritage. He also noted that he had travelled directly to the Mayan location after completing the shooting of his own production ‘Kaalante Thankakkudam’ on the eve of Onam. 

Producer Vijay Babu spoke about the importance of such gatherings in strengthening human connections, while Nyla Usha expressed happiness at being able to celebrate Onam in Kerala after several years.

Vagamon continues to attract film productions

The ongoing Mayan – Chapter 1 shoot adds another connection between Vagamon and the Malayalam film industry. The hill station's rolling meadows, forests, mist-covered landscapes and mountain scenery have long made it an attractive location for filmmakers.

The film is produced by Rajeev Govindan under the Magic Moon banner and directed by Jithin K. Jose, who gained attention with his earlier film Kalankaval. The production team is currently using locations around Kuttikkanam and Vagamon as part of the film's shooting schedule. 

For Vagamon, the presence of a major film production offers more than just a temporary connection with the entertainment industry. Film locations can introduce destinations to audiences who may later be inspired to visit the landscapes seen during filming.

The Onam gathering also provided a memorable cultural moment for the film unit, bringing together the cast, crew and local representatives against the backdrop of one of Kerala's most popular hill destinations.