Mahaprabhu Jagannath will release in theatres on September 4 after a July controversy and Supreme Court intervention over its theatrical release.

The wait for Mahaprabhu Jagannath is finally coming to an end. The animated film, which faced a temporary setback over its proposed July release, is now scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 4, coinciding with Janmashtami.

The film had initially been planned for a July release during the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. However, objections over the portrayal of Lord Jagannath led to a legal dispute, eventually reaching the Supreme Court.

Mahaprabhu Jagannath gets a new release date

Mahaprabhu Jagannath will now open in theatres on September 4. Ticket bookings have reportedly started on various platforms, while a media screening has been scheduled in Delhi on September 3.

The animated film has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. Its release on Janmashtami is expected to add further interest among audiences looking for devotional and mythology-based content during the festival.

Why was the film’s July release stopped?

The controversy began after production house Ele Animations released the film’s teaser on June 6. At the time, the makers announced that the animated movie would reach theatres on July 10.

Soon after the teaser was released, objections were raised regarding the depiction of Lord Jagannath and certain elements connected with Jagannath traditions.

According to reports cited by Live Law, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), which manages the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri, raised concerns about some aspects of the film.

The filmmakers subsequently arranged a special screening for Puri Gajapati Maharaja and representatives of the SJTA. During the screening, objections were reportedly expressed regarding scenes that were considered inconsistent with established religious traditions and the spiritual history associated with Lord Jagannath.

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Filmmakers agreed to consider changes

Following the concerns, the filmmakers reportedly assured the Puri Gajapati Maharaja and SJTA representatives that suggested changes would be considered. The makers said the film would be aligned with religious beliefs, traditions and cultural values.

However, petitioners later argued before the Orissa High Court that the producers were still moving ahead with the proposed release without making the required or substantial changes. They also challenged the certification issued to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

What did the Supreme Court say?

The legal dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court. On July 17, the apex court declined to allow Mahaprabhu Jagannath to be released immediately while the Rath Yatra was underway.

At the same time, the court allowed the filmmakers to release the animated movie on or after July 28, following the conclusion of the festival.

The Supreme Court also issued notices to the Centre, Odisha government, CBFC, SJTA and other concerned parties while hearing an appeal against an interim order of the Orissa High Court.

Earlier, the Orissa High Court had indicated that the objections concerning the portrayal of Lord Jagannath required detailed judicial consideration before the movie could be released.

Now set for a September release

With the legal hurdle around its earlier release schedule addressed, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is now preparing for its theatrical debut on September 4.

The film was originally expected to release in July, but the controversy and court proceedings disrupted those plans. A Delhi media screening that had been scheduled for July 16 was also postponed.

The Supreme Court hearing was conducted by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana after senior advocate Devdatt Kamat, representing the filmmakers, sought an urgent hearing.

With Mahaprabhu Jagannath now arriving around Janmashtami, audiences will be able to watch the animated film on the big screen after the release was delayed by the legal dispute.

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