SC Clears 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Film Release Post Rath Yatra! 🙏🎬
SC Clears 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Film Release Post Rath Yatra! 🙏🎬
Supreme Court overturns High Court ban on animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath,' allowing its release after Rath Yatra. Dive into the legal battle over religious texts & children's cinema!
The Supreme Court has stepped in to resolve a legal tangle surrounding the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath," ultimately allowing its nationwide release after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festival. This decision came after the Orissa High Court had imposed a ban, citing the film's alleged deviation from the religious text, Skanda Purana.
The controversy began when the Orissa High Court issued an interim order banning the film's release, which was initially slated for July 17, 2026. This ban was prompted by a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu of Angul, alongside Dr. Pramod Kumar Acharya of Puri and Umashankar Acharya of Nimapada. The petitioners argued that the film's portrayal of Lord Jagannath was not strictly in accordance with the sacred Skanda Purana and sought the cancellation of its certification and a ban on public screening within the state.
Representing the film's makers, Ele Animations, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat urgently brought the matter before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Kamat highlighted the significant commercial losses the producers would face due to a country-wide ban, especially as the film was prepared for release in over 300 theatres across India. He emphasized that "Mahaprabhu Jagannath" is a children's film and had already received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification. He also pointed out that the High Court's ban was a nationwide one, despite the original petition only seeking a ban within Odisha.
The Supreme Court, while recognizing the concerns, modified the High Court's interim order. It ruled that the animated film could proceed with its nationwide release on or after July 28, effectively ensuring that the release would occur after the Rath Yatra festivities. The apex court also noted that animation, by its nature, cannot erode devotion, suggesting that the artistic interpretation should not be a ground for a complete ban, especially for a children's film. This ruling brings relief to Ele Animations and ensures that the first animated feature film from Odisha can reach its audience.
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