Supreme Court Permits Release of ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ After Rath Yatra; Issues Notices on Odisha HC Ban
The Supreme Court has declined to allow the immediate theatrical release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. However, the apex court cleared a path for the filmmakers, permitting them to release the movie on or after July 28, 2026, once the annual religious celebrations conclude.
Simultaneously, the Supreme Court issued formal notices to the Central Government, the Odisha State Government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, seeking their responses to an appeal challenging a lower court’s stay order.
The Orissa High Court Stay Order
The legal battle escalated after the Orissa High Court issued an interim order staying the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath just a day before it was scheduled to hit theaters.
The HC’s Observation: The High Court halted the launch on the grounds that the narrative did not strictly adhere to the traditional religious text of the Skanda Purana.
The Appeal: Facing massive financial exposure, the producers urgently moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the late-night upload of the High Court’s order (at 9:00 PM on the eve of the release) left them blindsided.
Makers Argue Financial Impact and Valid Certification
Appearing on behalf of the filmmakers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat pushed for urgent judicial intervention, highlighting the following key points:
Target Audience & Subject: Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a family-friendly animated film primarily curated for children, designed to showcase the life and legacy of Lord Jagannath.
Valid Censorship: The CBFC had already thoroughly vetted the film and granted it a ‘U’ (Universal) certificate under Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act for its Hindi, Odia, and Telugu versions.
Commercial Loss: The production house has invested crores of rupees into the venture, having already locked in distribution deals for screenings across more than 300 screens nationwide. Kamat characterized the initial Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and subsequent stay as a rushed, eleventh-hour decision.
Looking Ahead
While the Supreme Court maintained a cautious approach by keeping the film out of theaters during the peak of the Rath Yatra festivities, its ruling ensures the project isn’t indefinitely shelved. Barring any further restrictive legal developments from the notified respondents, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is set to premiere in cinemas starting July 28.
