'Dracula church' gets a fresh lease of life thanks to 'Empuraan'

The dilapidated church that was the scene of the inevitable meeting between Stephen Nedumpally and Priyadarshini in the film ‘Lucifer’ has acquired a new look, thanks to the ongoing preparations for the sequel, ‘Empuraan’.

The shrine, better known as ‘Dracula church’, is located in the middle of a tea plantation and a leafless tree stands near the structure. In ‘Lucifer’, the church was depicted as a building that could collapse anytime. However, the original structure was in a better shape. Its portions were pulled down to suit the scene for the film shooting, which made the church look older on screen.

However, after the work on ‘Lucifer’ was over, the church was renovated under the aegis of Aashirvad cinemas, the producers, spending Rs 8 lakh. A roof was built and the entire building painted.

The church now looks totally new. Situated near Kattappana in Laundry Division 2 of Upputhara panchayat, the real name of the place of worship is St Andrews CSI Church. It was built by an Englishman named J M Wilky. Later, it became a Union Church where followers of CSI, Orthodox, Marthoma and Jacobite churches offered worship. Soon, each of these congregations set up their separate churches and the St Andrews shrine was abandoned. When wild greenery invaded the entire structure, it came to known as Dracula church.

After 'Lucifer' was released, visitors started arriving at the church, which was the backdrop of a crucial meeting in the film. At present, there are curious tourists most of time at the spot.

Meanwhile, the church office-bearers have decided to maintain the building in the present condition. There are three weekly services at the church every month now.