Orissa HC Restrains Release of Animated Film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Ahead of Rath Yatra [Read Order]

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has restrained the release of an animated film titled “Mahaprabhu Jagannath,” scheduled for 17th July 2026, holding that its screening on the eve of the Rath Yatra, when a large congregation of devotees is expected, would be counterproductive. A

Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman passed the interim order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu and others against the proposed release.

The petitioners sought a writ of mandamus directing the Central Board of Film Certification to revoke the certificate granted to the film and to restrain its public exhibition within the State of Odisha. It was highlighted that after Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. released a teaser on 6th June 2026 announcing the film's release for 10th July 2026, widespread objections arose over its title and content, including from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. 

The producer thereafter screened the film before the Temple Administration and the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, where objections were raised to the depiction of the fictional childhood and adventures of Lord Jagannath as being not in tune with the religious texts of the Skandha Purana and the Brahma Purana, and to dialogue and conduct attributed to the deity that departed from established devotional literature and temple tradition.

Although the producer had assured that necessary changes would be made in keeping with religious belief and tradition, the petitioners contended that the film was announced for release on 17th July 2026 without any substantial changes to either the narrative or its animated depiction.

The producer opposed the petition, submitting that the film carried a disclaimer describing it as a fictional story with no nexus to reality and no intention to harm the beliefs of devotees, and that it fell within the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. It was further contended that the petition had been filed at the fag end with a sinister motive to stall the release, after considerable investment had already been made in the film.

The Court held that while a movie enjoys the guarantee of free expression, this right must be balanced against the reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, particularly where content intricately linked to religious belief could create a massive impact on public sentiment, resulting in unrest.

“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.”

Noting that the film's release date coincided with the commencement of the Rath Yatra on 16th July 2026, an occasion drawing a large conglomeration of devotees, the Bench found the timing of the screening unsuitable.

“We feel that screening of the said film on 17th July, 2026 shall be counterproductive.”

The Court accordingly restrained opposite party no.6, Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., from releasing the film on 17th July 2026 or thereafter, without leave of the Court or until the next date of hearing, whichever is earlier. 

Notice was directed to be issued to the remaining opposite parties, and the matter was listed for further hearing on 5th August 2026.

Appearances: Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate, along with Mr. Sambit Kumar Patri, Advocate, appeared for the petitioners. Mr. Debasish Tripathy, Additional Government Advocate, appeared for opposite parties No.1 and 2; Mr. Prasanna Kumar Parhi, Deputy Solicitor General of India, along with Mr. Asutosh Mohanty, Central Government Counsel, appeared for opposite party No.3; and Mr. Gautam Mukherjee, Senior Advocate, along with Mr. Sidhant Dwibedi and Mr. Supratik Acharya, Advocates, appeared for opposite party No.6.

Case Title: Mahesh Kumar Sahu and others vs. State of Odisha and others

[Read Order]