The Supreme Court of India on Friday declined to allow the immediate release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra and permitted its nationwide theatrical screening only after the completion of the religious festival. The court ruled that the film can be released on or after July 28, 2026, following the conclusion of the Rath Yatra on July 27.
A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan refused to stay the interim order passed by the Odisha High Court, which had temporarily halted the film’s release across the country. The Supreme Court observed that the Rath Yatra had begun on July 16 and would continue until July 27, allowing the makers to proceed with the release after the festival concludes.
“After the Rath Yatra, you can release it,” Justice Nagarathna remarked during the hearing. The bench subsequently disposed of the appeal while permitting the film’s exhibition from July 28 onwards.
The Supreme Court also issued notices to the Central government, the Odisha government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), temple authorities, and other concerned parties on a petition filed by the film’s producer, Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. The producers had challenged the Odisha High Court’s July 15 order that stopped the film’s nationwide release.
The Odisha High Court had restricted the release after a petition raised objections regarding the film’s portrayal of Lord Jagannath and alleged that the animated feature did not strictly follow descriptions mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The petition had sought cancellation of the film’s certification and a detailed judicial review of its content.
Representing the filmmakers, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat urged the Supreme Court to permit the original release date of July 17, arguing that significant financial investments had already been made. He informed the court that hundreds of theatres had been booked for the release and that the film had already received clearance from the CBFC.
The filmmakers also pointed out that a related television series based on the same subject had previously been available online, including on YouTube, and argued that the theatrical release should not have been restricted after receiving official certification.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, Mahaprabhu Jagannath will now arrive in theatres nationwide from July 28. The ruling provides temporary relief to the makers while ensuring that the release does not coincide with the final days of the significant Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations.