New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to permit the immediate release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, but allowed the filmmakers to release it on or after July 28, once the annual festival concludes.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, and other respondents while hearing an appeal against the Orissa High Court’s interim order staying the film’s release.

High Court had stayed the release

The Orissa High Court had earlier halted the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, observing that the animated film did not strictly conform to the religious narrative contained in the Skanda Purana.

The interim order was passed just a day before the film’s scheduled theatrical release, prompting the filmmakers to approach the Supreme Court for urgent relief.

Filmmakers seek urgent intervention

Appearing for the producers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat argued that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an animated film intended primarily for children and portrays the life and legacy of Lord Jagannath.

He submitted that the High Court stayed the release solely because the film was not made strictly in accordance with the Skanda Purana.

Kamat further informed the court that the CBFC had already granted the film a ‘U’ certificate under Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act, clearing it for theatrical release in Hindi, Odia and Telugu.

Producers cite financial losses

The filmmakers also argued that the High Court’s order was uploaded only at around 9 pm on the eve of the scheduled release, leaving them with very little time to seek legal remedies.

According to the submissions, the producers have invested several crores of rupees in the project and had planned to release the film in more than 300 theatres across India.

The counsel further contended that the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) leading to the stay was heard shortly before the release date, resulting in what was described as a hurried interim order.

Supreme Court issues notices

After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court declined to permit the film’s release during the Rath Yatra period, observing that it could instead be released after the religious festival concludes.

The court simultaneously issued notices to all respondents, including the Centre, the Odisha government, the CBFC and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, seeking their responses to the appeal challenging the High Court’s order.

The matter will now be considered further after replies are filed.

Release permitted after July 28

Under the Supreme Court’s interim direction, Mahaprabhu Jagannath may now be released in theatres on or after July 28, subject to any further orders passed in the case.

The order balances the filmmakers’ interests with concerns raised during the ongoing Rath Yatra, while allowing the legal challenge to the High Court’s interim order to continue.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has provided partial relief to the makers of Mahaprabhu Jagannath by allowing its release after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra while keeping the legal dispute over the Orissa High Court’s stay order pending. The court’s final decision will depend on the responses filed by the concerned authorities.