Momentum builds to transform Changanassery Market into cinema tourism destination

Changanassery: While the Kireedam Bridge, immortalised by the Mohanlal-starrer Kireedam, has gained recognition as a cinema tourism project under the State Tourism Department, the Changanassery Market, despite its rich cinematic legacy, remains in a neglected state.

The inauguration of the Kireedam Bridge, part of Vellayani Lake in Thiruvananthapuram, is expected soon, marking its emergence as a tourism centre. In contrast, the Changanassery Market, which has featured in far more films, is in disrepair. Authorities have so far overlooked its tourism potential, even though the market has been a backdrop for numerous Malayalam classics, including the blockbuster Spadikam, as well as Tamil, and Bollywood productions.

Recently, the market reappeared on the silver screen in the Bollywood film Param Sundari. During the shoot, the crew had to relight the decorative lamps at Anchuvilakku Square, which had long been non-functional. This incident highlights the untapped potential of the market, which could thrive if a cinema tourism project were implemented here.