New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court denied permission for the animated film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ to be released as originally scheduled and instructed the filmmakers to delay its launch until after the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, which ends on July 27.

A panel consisting of Justices BV Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan chose not to overturn the Odisha High Court’s ruling, noting that the Rath Yatra had started on Thursday and would last until the end of the month.

“During the Rath Yatra, don’t do it (release). After the Rath Yatra, you can release it,” remarked Justice Nagarathna during the hearing of the petition from the filmmakers requesting to release the film on that day.

While allowing the filmmakers to release the movie post-July 27, the Supreme Court concluded the hearing of the case.

The producers had approached the Supreme Court in response to the Odisha High Court’s order that prohibited the film’s release, arguing that it did not adhere to the Skanda Purana.

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamath, representing the producers, argued that the film is a children’s animated feature and the ban has resulted in significant financial losses.

Previously, the filmmakers contended that ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ is a continuation of their animated series ‘Jay Jagannath,’ created with deep respect and devotion towards Lord Jagannath and his followers.

They also highlighted that the film had received a ‘U’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Hindi, Odia, and Telugu, and expressed their hope that audiences would be allowed to view it and form their own opinions.

Produced by Durga Prasad Dalai under Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., the film was initially set for a nationwide release across more than 300 screens in Hindi, Odia, and Telugu.

Directed by Shripad Warkhedkar, this animated feature aims to entertain families and is based on the teachings and life of Lord Jagannath, following the success of the television series Jay Jagannath.