The Supreme Court of India on Friday refused to allow the immediate theatrical release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, directing that it can be screened only on or after July 28, 2026, once the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra concludes.
The ruling comes after the Odisha High Court had passed an interim order preventing the nationwide release of the film over concerns regarding its portrayal of religious events.
Supreme Court Refuses Immediate Release
A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan declined to stay the Odisha High Court’s interim order.
Observing that the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra is underway from July 16 to July 27, Justice Nagarathna remarked:
“After the Rath Yatra, you can release it.”
The Bench subsequently permitted the filmmakers to exhibit the film from July 28 onwards, effectively delaying its original July 17 release.
Notice Issued to Centre, Odisha Government and CBFC
While disposing of the appeal, the Supreme Court also issued notices to several parties, including:
- The Central Government
- Odisha Government
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- Jagannath Temple Administration
- Other concerned respondents
The appeal was filed by Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., challenging the Odisha High Court’s July 15 order that restrained the film’s release across India.
Why Was the Film Stopped?
The Odisha High Court had restrained the release after petitions alleged that Mahaprabhu Jagannath did not strictly follow descriptions contained in the Skanda Purana, one of Hinduism’s important religious texts.
Petitioners argued that the portrayal of Lord Jagannath required closer judicial scrutiny and sought cancellation of the film’s certification along with a ban on its public exhibition.
Filmmakers Cite Heavy Financial Losses
Representing the producers, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat requested the Supreme Court to allow the film’s release on its originally scheduled date of July 17.
He informed the Bench that:
- The producers had invested crores of rupees in the project.
- Around 300 theatres had already been booked for the nationwide release.
- The CBFC had granted certification to the film.
- The same animated content had reportedly been available on YouTube for a considerable period without objections.
Despite these submissions, the Court decided that the release should take place only after the Rath Yatra concludes.
Release Deferred Until After Rath Yatra
With the Supreme Court’s latest order, Mahaprabhu Jagannath will now be eligible for theatrical release on or after July 28, 2026, bringing temporary relief to those opposing the film while allowing the producers to release it after the religious festival concludes.
FAQs
Why did the Supreme Court delay the release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath?
The Court delayed the release because the Jagannath Rath Yatra is ongoing and declined to interfere with the Odisha High Court’s interim order until the festival concludes.
When can Mahaprabhu Jagannath release in theatres?
The Supreme Court has permitted the film to release on or after July 28, 2026.
Why did the Odisha High Court ban the film?
The High Court cited concerns that the film allegedly did not strictly adhere to descriptions in the Skanda Purana and ordered an interim stay on its release.
Has the CBFC cleared the film?
Yes. According to the filmmakers, Mahaprabhu Jagannath received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Who challenged the High Court’s order?
The appeal before the Supreme Court was filed by Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., the producer of the animated film.
