Mahaprabhu Jagannath gets Supreme Court nod, release after Rath Yatra

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the release of the children's animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, but directed that it be screened only after the Rath Yatra rituals conclude.Hearing a plea challenging an Orissa High Court order that had stayed the film's release, the apex court permitted the makers to release it on or after July 28. The Bench also observed that the film's release "will not affect your devotion to your God", while responding to objections raised over its content.The makers had approached the Supreme Court after the Orissa High Court restrained the film's release across the country a day before its scheduled theatrical debut on July 17.Appearing for the producers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat submitted that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a children's animated film based on Lord Jagannath and had already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He argued that the High Court had halted its release on the ground that certain scenes did not strictly conform to the Skanda Purana. Kamat also told the court that the High Court's order had been uploaded only at 9 pm on the eve of the film's release, after more than 300 theatres had already been booked. He argued that the stay would cause significant financial loss to the producers, who had invested crores of rupees in the project.During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the CBFC had cleared the film and also took into account submissions that the animated series on which the film is based had been available on YouTube for nearly two years. Observing that the Rath Yatra festivities would continue for another 10 days, the court said, "We permit the film to be exhibited on or after July 28."When the Solicitor General pointed out that Rath Yatra celebrations take place across the country, Justice B V Nagarathna remarked, "I know there is Rath Yatra in Bangalore and Ahmedabad also... it's happening across the country. You release the film any day after the 27th."In a lighter moment, the Bench also told the producers, "Everybody will be eager to see the movie now... more box office for you."Why was the film stayed?In its interim order dated July 15, the Orissa High Court observed that while freedom of speech and expression is protected under the Constitution, it cannot be exercised in a manner that hurts religious sentiments and disturbs public order.The court said releasing the film during the ongoing Rath Yatra, without incorporating changes suggested after a special screening before the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, would be "counterproductive".The interim order was passed on a public interest litigation seeking revocation of the CBFC certificate and a direction restraining the film's exhibition. The petitioners alleged that the film depicted fictional episodes involving Lord Jagannath that were inconsistent with the Skanda Purana, the Brahma Purana and established temple traditions, and could hurt devotees' sentiments.Makers defend the filmA day before the Supreme Court hearing, Ele Animations issued a statement saying Mahaprabhu Jagannath had been created with "utmost honesty, sincerity and devotion" towards Lord Jagannath and his devotees.Describing it as "an extension of our animated series Jay Jagannath", the makers said the film was "a heartfelt depiction of a devotee's bhav (devotion) towards Mahaprabhu Jagannath"."We deeply respect the sentiments of every devotee and everyone who follows the path of Lord Jagannath. We simply hope audiences get the opportunity to watch the film and decide for themselves," the statement said.The makers also noted that the film had received a U certificate from the CBFC in Hindi, Odia and Telugu, adding that they would refrain from commenting further as the matter remains sub judice.Earlier, before the High Court, the producers had argued that the film carried a disclaimer stating that it was a fictional work with no claim to historical or religious authenticity. They also relied on the constitutional guarantee of free speech under Article 19(1)(a), while pointing to the substantial financial investment in the project.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Jul 17, 2026 11:13 IST