Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s makers approached the Supreme Court after the Orissa High Court stayed its July 17 release. The dispute concerns the animated film’s depiction of Lord Jagannath, religious traditions, CBFC clearance and its release during Rath Yatra.

Mahaprabhu Jagannath Makers Seek Supreme Court Relief

The makers of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath have approached the Supreme Court against an Orissa High Court order stopping its nationwide release a day before it was scheduled to reach theatres on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat sought an urgent hearing before the Chief Justice of India. The court declined a same-day listing but agreed to consider the matter on July 17, the film’s original release date. The makers said the animated feature had already received CBFC certification. They said the order was uploaded late on July 15, leaving little time to respond despite major investment and bookings across more than 300 theatres.

Orissa High Court Stays July 17 Release

The Orissa High Court restrained the release on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, while hearing a public interest litigation challenging the film’s content and certification. A Division Bench said free expression must be balanced against public order and religious harmony. The court observed that releasing the film during Rath Yatra could be counterproductive while objections from devotees and temple authorities remained unresolved. The interim order prevents Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. from releasing the film without the High Court’s permission.

Rath Yatra Objections and Temple Traditions

The petitioners alleged that the film misrepresents Lord Jagannath through fictional childhood incidents, adventures, battle scenes and invented dialogue. They claimed some sequences conflict with the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and established traditions of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Objections were reportedly raised during a special screening attended by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and temple administration officials. According to the plea, the producer indicated that changes would be considered but later moved ahead without incorporating all suggested revisions. The petitioners argued that the film could hurt religious sentiments and create unrest because Rath Yatra was underway and large numbers of devotees were expected to gather.

Makers Defend CBFC Clearance and Creative Freedom

The producer said the film carries a disclaimer identifying it as fictional and was not made to insult any religious belief. The makers also cited constitutional protection for freedom of speech and warned that the last-minute stay could cause heavy financial losses. The High Court, however, said films can strongly influence public thought and that their wider impact must be considered when religious faith is involved.

With the stay still in force, the Supreme Court hearing is crucial to the film’s immediate theatrical plans. The dispute centres on whether CBFC certification and artistic freedom should prevail over concerns involving temple traditions, religious sentiments and the timing of the release during Rath Yatra.