'May Affect Peace In Society': Orissa High Court Stays Release Of Animated Movie 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Ahead Of Rath Yatra

The Orissa High Court on Wednesday (July 15) stayed the release of an animated movie titled 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath', based on certain fictional accounts involving Lord Jagannath, which was slated to be released on July 17 in three different languages.While directing the producer to temporarily halt the release of the movie, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman expressed apprehension about its possible effect on public order, especially when the Rath Yatra is scheduled to be held on July 16. The Bench thus remarked–“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 and, therefore should ensure high degree of attention and retention. At times it creates an immediate influence and 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 motive to release the film may also be one of the facets to be borne in mind at a particular point of time, which may invite an immediate and prompt reaction having cascading effect, that would corrode the fabric resultantly affecting the peace in the society.”The makers have now approached the Supreme Court, challenging the countrywide ban.The High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) brought before it by the petitioners, Mahesh Kumar Sahu, Dr. Pramod Kumar Acharya and Umashankar Acharya. Though the matter was not listed on Wednesday, it was taken up for hearing through special listing along with another listed writ petition filed by one Saswat Sahoo.On 06.06.2026, Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. (hereinafter “the producer”) posted a teaser in the YouTube channel titled 'Jay Jagannath' announcing the release of an animated film “Mahaprabhu Jagannath” on July 10, 2026. Upon release of such teaser, there was widespread dissension as to the contents of the said movie.Receiving objections from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the body responsible for management of the 12th century shrine, the producer had exhibited the film to Puri's Gajapati Maharaja and the members of the SJTA. They raised several objections against depiction of alleged inaccurate stories opposed to the established Jagannath traditions and the spiritual history of the deity. Reportedly, the producers had assured the Maharaja and the SJTA of making suggested changes which shall be in line with the well-established religious belief, tradition and culture.However, it was alleged by the petitioners that the producer has scheduled the release on July 17, without making necessary/substantial changes. Thus, they urged the Court to revoke the certificate granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Chief Justice Tandon referred to the principles governing censorship by prior restraint as have been culled out by the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989), which was concerned with the censorship of a Tamil movie named 'Ore Oru Gramathile'. Citing the case, the Chief Justice asked the petitioners to pinpoint the objectionable portions of the film as how they deviate from the well-known Jagannath cultures.Senior Advocate Manoj Kumar Mishra, appearing for the petitioners highlighted that the film seeks to portray a distorted version of childhood of Lord Jagannath involving fictional adventures, which are not supported by the religious history depicted by the 'Skanda Purana' (ସ୍କନ୍ଦ ପୁରାଣ) and the 'Brahma Purana' (ବ୍ରହ୍ମ ପୁରାଣ). They submitted that the animated screenplay has potential to tarnish the rich Jagannath tradition and may also attract large scale commotion amongst the devotees.The producer, on the other hand, attempted to defend its move by arguing that it intends to put a disclaimer clarifying the movie to be fictional in nature, which has no nexus with the reality. Further, it sought protection of right to expression, as protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, through the medium of displaying movie. It also questioned the motive of the petitioners in rushing to the Court just before the scheduled date of release, even though CBFC had cleared it months ago.Appearing for the producer, Senior Advocate Gautam Mukherjee sought permission to exhibit the film for viewing of the Bench and urged the Court to decide its objectionability after watching the same. He vehemently submitted that in absence of objections at the stage of certification, no further plea for revocation of certificate be entertained at this fag end. He also stressed on the financial predicament that may ensue in case of a stay.He further informed the Court that opposed to what the petitioners tried to project, the film does not expressly portray the childhood of Lord Jagannath. He also underlined that the Jagannath culture is not limited merely to scriptures and Puranas but it also finds substance from folklores, ...

'May Affect Peace In Society': Orissa High Court Stays Release Of Animated Movie 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Ahead Of Rath Yatra

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It may shatter the sentiments, emotions and religious beliefs, Court said.

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'May Affect Peace In Society': Orissa High Court Stays Release Of Animated Movie 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Ahead Of Rath Yatra

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It may shatter the sentiments, emotions and religious beliefs, Court said.

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