The Supreme Court has allowed the nationwide release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra, rejecting petitions filed by the Odisha government and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. The court observed that creativity and artistic expression should not be unnecessarily restricted and said an animated film could not weaken a devotee's faith. The movie can now be released across India on or after July 28.
Supreme Court Allows Animated Film Mahaprabhu Jagannath's Release
A bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan dismissed the pleas seeking to restrain the release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. "Animation is a critical storytelling medium and helps teach children subjects in an engaging way," said the judges.
The court also observed that the film had already been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and it was difficult to justify any other attempt to restrain its release.
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Court On Faith And Freedom Of Expression
At the hearing, the Government of Odisha and the temple management had pleaded that showing Lord Jagannath in his animated form would be an offense to religion and cause law and order problems.
The Bench, however, said, "Your faith is your own. If you do not like it, then you can simply ignore it. The screening of the film will not affect your faith in your God."
Further, the judges questioned, "We want to know whether, with an animated film, the devotion will go down?"
Justice Nagarathna explained that there was no delay before because it was to ensure smooth celebration of the Rath Yatra, adding, "It is a public order problem. The rituals are coming to an end by the 27th. You screen it after that."
Makers Defend The Film
The filmmakers approached the Supreme Court after the Orissa High Court temporarily stayed the film's release before its scheduled premiere.
Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing the makers, argued that the film is a fictional animated story created for children. He added that it is based on the animated series Jay Jagannath, which has been available on YouTube for nearly two years and has crossed over 100 crore views without attracting similar objections.
The producers also informed the court that the film carries a disclaimer stating it is a fictional work and does not claim historical or religious authenticity.
In a lighter moment during the hearing, the bench remarked, "Everybody will be eager to see the movie now... more box office for you."