The production team behind the animated movie Mahaprabhu Jagannath has sought intervention from the Supreme Court following a decision by the Orissa High Court, which has halted the film’s nationwide release just a day before it was set to premiere on July 17.
As reported by LiveLaw.com, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat made an urgent appeal to the Chief Justice of India for a same-day hearing. Although the Chief Justice declined the immediate listing, he confirmed that the case would be heard the following day, aligning with the film’s original release date.
Kamat explained to the court that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an animated feature aimed at children and centered around Lord Jagannath. He noted that the High Court’s order to stop the release was based on claims that it did not comply with the Skanda Purana. He emphasized that the Central Board of Film Certification had already approved the film, granting it a certificate in accordance with Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act.
He argued that the High Court’s ruling was issued only at 9 PM the prior evening, asserting that the ban would significantly harm the producer, who had invested a substantial amount of money into the project.
With over 300 theaters ready to screen the film, Kamat pressed for urgent consideration of the case, highlighting that the public interest litigation in the High Court was filed just before the release, resulting in a rushed order that barred the film from being shown across India. The Chief Justice remarked that same-day listings are typically reserved for extremely urgent matters, such as death penalty cases.
The Orissa High Court had previously restricted the film’s release on July 15, stating that while the Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression, it cannot infringe upon religious sentiments in ways that might incite social unrest. The court noted that releasing the film during the ongoing Rath Yatra, without incorporating necessary changes recommended after a special screening involving the Gajapati Maharaja and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, would be ‘counterproductive.’
This interim ruling was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman, responding to a public interest litigation that sought to revoke the film’s certification from the CBFC and prevent its screening in Odisha. The petitioners, Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., had previously released a teaser for Mahaprabhu Jagannath on June 6, 2026, and indicated that it had generated significant objections from devotees and the temple administration.
Concerns were raised during a special screening regarding depictions deemed inconsistent with established religious practices and traditions. Although the producer had promised to make appropriate changes, the film was scheduled for release on July 17 without those amendments being implemented.
The petition contends that the film misrepresents the cultural and devotional history linked to Lord Jagannath by portraying fictional childhood adventures and battle scenes involving the deity, as well as depicting Lord Jagannath in a manner inconsistent with traditional beliefs. The petitioners argue that such representations could undermine the religious convictions of devotees and provoke public disorder.
In response to the petition, the producer maintained that the film includes a disclaimer indicating it is a fictional narrative with no ties to historical or religious truths, and it was not intended to insult the faith of devotees. They also asserted that the film is safeguarded by constitutional free speech rights under Article 19(1)(a), highlighting the considerable financial resources already allocated to the project.
After reviewing the arguments from both sides, the High Court remarked that films are influential mediums of expression and their overall impact, particularly regarding religious sensitivities, must be assessed. While films are primarily created for entertainment, they can shape public perception and behavior. The court stated that the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) must be weighed against reasonable restrictions outlined in Article 19(2). The Bench noted, “Even if the movie enjoins the guarantee of the freedom of expression and/or speech, but it impacted the thoughts and the action of the common people. At times may shatter the sentiments, the emotions and the religious belief, which cannot be allowed, if it results in unrest in the peaceful society.”
The High Court also underscored the significance of the film’s release timing, pointing out that the Rath Yatra had begun on July 16, with a large gathering of devotees expected. It indicated that the identified objectionable content in the public interest litigation would require thorough examination following the submission of affidavits. Consequently, the court prohibited Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. from releasing Mahaprabhu Jagannath on July 17, 2026, or subsequently, without the court’s permission or until a specified future date.
