Archive · 29 Jul 2026
SC Upholds Release of Animated Film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'
The Supreme Court of India decided not to change its earlier order that allowed the release of an animated film called 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'.
The Odisha government had asked the court to modify this order because some people were upset about how the film showed the deity Lord Jagannath.
The court said that creativity and art should not be stopped just because a few people are sensitive about how gods and goddesses are depicted.
The court also said that it is not their job to judge artistic choices.
The film was already cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification and was based on a web series available on YouTube.
The court suggested that if the filmmakers felt any part of the film needed to be changed, they could do so voluntarily.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify its order allowing the release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'.
Justice Nagarathna emphasized that creativity and art should not be curtailed due to the sensitivities of a few people.
The Odisha government argued that the film's depiction of Lord Jagannath was inconsistent with religious scriptures.
The court clarified that it could not sit in judgment over artistic choices and that such decisions should be left to the director.
The film was based on a web series already available on YouTube and had received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Odisha Government, Film Producers
- What
- Dismissal of plea to modify order allowing the release of animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'
- When
- July 29
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To uphold creativity and art over the sensitivities of a few people regarding the depiction of deities.
Odisha Government
Supreme Court
Film's Depiction of Deities
Odisha Government
The Odisha government argued that the film's animated depiction of Lord Jagannath was inconsistent with religious scriptures and sought a review.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed the plea, stating that creativity and art should not be curtailed due to the sensitivities of a few people.
Court's Role in Artistic Choices
Odisha Government
The Odisha government suggested that the court could sit in judgment over artistic choices.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarified that it could not sit in judgment over artistic choices and that such decisions should be left to the director.
- Film Title
- Mahaprabhu Jagannath
- Court's Decision
- Dismissed Odisha government's plea
- Release Date
- On or after July 28
- Justice Nagarathna's Statement
- Creativity and art should not be curtailed due to the sensitivities of a few people.
- Justice Mahadevan's Suggestion
- Producers could consider making corrections if concerns remained.
- Film Certification
- Cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification
- Film Basis
- Based on a web series already available on YouTube
Sources
Can’t stop creativity, art over views of few people: SC allows release of film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’
SC Refuses to Stay Release of Lord Jagannath Animated Film, Raises Concern Over Pleas to Ban Art
Mahaprabhu Jagannath To Finally Release As Supreme Court Dismisses Odisha Government Plea
'Religious Sensitivity Cannot Curb Artistic Freedom': Supreme Court Refuses To Stay Mahaprabhu Jagannath Release
Supreme Court To Hear Jagannath Temple's Plea Against Mahaprabhu Jagannath Release After Rath Yatra
SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film
