SC Clears ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ Animated Film Release Following Rath Yatra Celebrations

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the all-India release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath after the conclusion of the Lord Jagannath Yatra festivities. The court permitted the movie to be released on or after July 28, following concerns raised over its portrayal of Lord Jagannath and a previous order by the Orissa High Court that had temporarily restricted its release. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan passed the order while hearing a challenge filed by the film’s producers against the Orissa High Court’s decision.

The producers of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, made by Ele Animations Pvt Ltd, had approached the top court after the High Court restrained the film’s scheduled theatrical release on Friday. During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the animated film was based on a web series that had already been released on YouTube. The bench also took note of the fact that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had granted certification for the movie’s public screening. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Odisha government, informed the court that the Rath Yatra festivities had begun on Thursday in Odisha and several other parts of the country.

After considering the timing of the religious celebrations and the concerns raised before the court, the bench allowed the film’s release after the conclusion of the festivities. The controversy surrounding the film began after objections were raised over its depiction of Lord Jagannath. The Orissa High Court had earlier observed that the concerns regarding the portrayal of the revered deity required detailed examination before allowing the movie to be publicly exhibited. The High Court’s interim order was passed while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu from Angul, along with Dr Pramod Kumar Acharya from Puri and Umashankar Acharya from Nimapada.

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The petitioners had sought cancellation of the CBFC certification granted to the film and requested that its public screening, particularly in Odisha, be stopped. The petitioners argued that certain elements of the film, including the fictional portrayal of Lord Jagannath’s childhood, dialogues and battle sequences, were inconsistent with traditional accounts and religious texts. They claimed that the representation did not align with references mentioned in scriptures such as the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, as well as established temple traditions associated with Lord Jagannath. The producers, however, challenged the High Court’s order and argued that the film had already received approval from the statutory certification authority.

They maintained that the animated movie was intended as a creative presentation based on religious themes and should be allowed to reach audiences. The Supreme Court’s decision provides temporary relief to the filmmakers while ensuring that the release does not coincide with the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations. The court’s order allows the film to be screened nationwide after July 28, though further legal proceedings related to the objections raised in the petition may continue. The case highlights the balance courts often have to maintain between creative expression, religious sentiments and regulatory approvals. With the Supreme Court allowing the release, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is set to reach theatres after the completion of the annual festivities dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

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