The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath can be released nationwide from July 28, modifying an interim order of the Orissa High Court that had restrained its release over objections to its depiction of Lord Jagannath.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan declined to lift the temporary stay immediately, observing that the annual Puri Rath Yatra, which began on July 16, would conclude on July 27. The court said postponing the release until after the festival would strike a fair balance between religious sentiments and the producer’s rights.
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“We permit the film to be exhibited on or after July 28,” the bench ordered.
Why did the Supreme Court defer the release?
The court was hearing an appeal filed by Ele Animations Pvt Ltd against the Orissa High Court’s July 15 interim order that restrained the film’s release.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Odisha government, informed the bench that a special screening had been organised for the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. He submitted that several suggested changes were not incorporated into the final version of the film.
After being informed that the Rath Yatra would conclude on July 27, Justice Nagarathna observed that the film could be released once the religious ceremonies were over, describing the arrangement as a “balance.”
What were the arguments before the court?
Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the producer, argued that the film had already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and its contents could not be re-examined after certification.
He also told the court that the producer had invested several crores in the project and that delaying the release would result in substantial financial losses. The producer further argued that the film is a fictional work carrying a disclaimer and is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
In the public interest litigation filed in the Orissa High Court, it was claimed that the movie deviated from what is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, the Brahma Purana, and the temple traditions. It was also stated that the objections raised by the temple authorities at the special viewing of the movie were not taken care of.
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Even though the Supreme Court did not impose any restriction for an extended period, it reduced the interim order made by the High Court by allowing the release of the movie after the Rath Yatra.
FAQS
Q1. When will the Mahaprabhu Jagannath movie be released?
Supreme Court has allowed the movie to be released across India from July 28, 2026, after the conclusion of Puri Rath Yatra.
Q2. Why was the release of the movie delayed?
It has been temporarily stopped due to objections stating that the movie’s representation of Lord Jagannath did not agree with the religion and its traditions.
