The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the nationwide release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath on or after July 28, 2026, holding that the release should take place only after the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra concludes. The Court disposed of the filmmakers' appeal against an interim order of the Orissa High Court, which had restrained the film's scheduled release on July 17.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose after the Orissa High Court stayed the release of the animated film while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu. The petition questioned the film's portrayal of Lord Jagannath and sought cancellation of the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
According to the petitioners, certain fictional scenes and depictions were inconsistent with established religious traditions and could affect devotees' sentiments during the ongoing Rath Yatra. The High Court observed that these concerns required detailed examination and temporarily restrained the film's release.
Aggrieved by that interim order, producer Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. approached the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court's Observations
A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan noted that the Rath Yatra commenced on July 17 and would continue until July 27. Taking note of the religious festivities, the Bench decided that postponing the release until after the festival would appropriately balance the competing interests.
The Bench observed,
"We permit the film to be exhibited on or after 28th July."
The Court also recorded that the CBFC had already certified the film for public exhibition after considering the applicable statutory requirements. It further noted the submission made on behalf of the filmmakers that an animated television series based on the same subject had already been available on YouTube.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Devdatt Kamat, appearing for the producers, submitted that substantial investments had been made in the film and that postponement would result in significant financial loss.
Representing the State of Odisha, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that objections had been raised by traditional authorities regarding certain depictions in the film and that the Rath Yatra was already underway.
Court's Decision
After considering the submissions of both sides, the Supreme Court permitted the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath on or after July 28, 2026, after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra.
The appeal was disposed of with this direction.
Case Details
Case Title: Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. v. Mahesh Kumar Sahu
Case Number: SLP (C) No. 23905 of 2026 (Diary No. 41972 of 2026)
Bench: Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan
Decision Date: July 17, 2026
