SC clears all-India release of animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' after Rath Yatra festivities

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the nationwide release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath on or after July 28, after the conclusion of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra festivities.A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan noted that the film is based on a web series that has already been released on YouTube and that it has received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).The producers had approached the apex court after the Orissa High Court stayed the film's release, which was originally scheduled for Friday.During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Odisha government, informed the court that the Rath Yatra had commenced on Thursday in Odisha and other parts of the country.The Orissa high court had earlier observed that objections raised over the film's portrayal of Lord Jagannath required detailed judicial scrutiny before it could be screened, PTI reported.The interim stay was passed while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu of Angul, along with Dr Pramod Kumar Acharya of Puri and Umashankar Acharya of Nimapada.The petition sought cancellation of the film's CBFC certification and an order restraining its public screening in Odisha. It alleged that the film's fictional depiction of Lord Jagannath's childhood, dialogues and battle scenes was inconsistent with the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and long-standing temple traditions.Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, Ele Animations founder, director and creative head Durga Prasad Dalai defended the film, saying it was created with "the utmost honesty, sincerity and devotion" towards Lord Jagannath.In a statement issued on Thursday, Dalai said Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an extension of the animated series Jay Jagannath and was made to celebrate faith, culture and devotion."Mahaprabhu Jagannath is an extension of our animated series Jay Jagannath, created with the utmost honesty, sincerity and devotion for Lord Jagannath and His devotees. The film is a heartfelt depiction of a devotee's bhav (devotion) towards Mahaprabhu Jagannath, and we make no claim otherwise," the statement said."We deeply respect the sentiments of every devotee and everyone who follows the path of Lord Jagannath. We simply hope audiences get the opportunity to watch the film and decide for themselves," the statement added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.