The Supreme Court of India has given the green light for animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath to hit screens,but only post the Rath Yatra festivities,wrapping up July 27, 2026. This after Orissa High Court put a stop on it,citing religious concerns.
Justice B.V. Nagarathna,on the bench,noted devotion's personal nature, questioning if an animated movie could really affect it. "Devotion is internal. Can an animated film bring it down?" he asked, addressing the pushback from the Odisha government and Lord Jagannath Temple trustees in Puri.
Ele Animations,creators of the movie,appealed High Court's block, despite a nod from CBFC. Set for a July 17 release in 300+ theaters,the ban hit hard — mass theater cancellations followed.
Senior lawyer Devadatt Kamat,for the filmmakers, argued film's goal is stirring devotion in kids. It's fictional take on Lord Jagannath's tales tailored for young minds. He noted similar successes like Bal Ganesh and Bal Hanuman.
Kamat also highlighted the film's roots in hit TV series with over 100 crore YouTube views in two years. He claimed ban violates free speech and threatens project's viability .
But Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for state, flagged temple trustees' concerns over certain film depictions. He stressed artistic freedom shouldn't rewrite established stories, like showing Lord Krishna's birth in a resort.
Kamat insisted objections shouldn't block a CBFC-approved film. He urged court to weigh the impact of delaying its release on public order and morality.
In end, Justice Nagarathna ruled film can come out from July 28, 2026,after Rath Yatra. Kamat agreed but questioned the court's power to delay the release.
The Supreme Court's decision walks line between artistic freedom and respecting religious feelings,letting the film reach audiences while honoring Rath Yatra traditions.
