Mahaprabhu Jagannath animated film set for August 28 release after Supreme Court clears stay
Synopsis
Odisha's first animated feature film, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, survived a last-minute Orissa High Court stay triggered by a PIL and fought its way to the Supreme Court — which cleared its release. Now set for 28 August via Cinepolis, the film's legal journey is as notable as its cultural ambition.
Key Takeaways
Mahaprabhu Jagannath will release nationwide on 28 August , distributed by Cinepolis .
The film is Odisha's first animated feature film , aimed at children and families.
An Orissa High Court interim stay — triggered by a PIL — had blocked its original 17 July premiere.
The Supreme Court overturned the stay, citing the film's CBFC 'U' certification and impact on over 300 booked theatres.
The film is produced by Durga Prasad Dalai of Ele Animations and directed by Shripad Warkhedkar .
It follows the animated TV series 'Jay Jagannath' , which drew millions of viewers during its broadcast run.
Odisha's first animated feature film, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, is now confirmed for a nationwide release on 28 August, after the Supreme Court overturned an interim stay that had blocked its earlier 17 July premiere. Distributed by Cinepolis, the film marks a landmark moment for Odia cinema and regional animation.
How the Legal Battle Unfolded
Days before its original premiere, the Orissa High Court issued an interim stay on the film's national release, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought judicial review of its content. The production house swiftly challenged the stay before the Supreme Court, citing the film's CBFC 'U' certification and the financial burden placed on more than 300 booked theatres across the country. The apex court subsequently cleared the path for the nationwide release.
What the Film Is About
Designed as a fictional narrative aimed at instilling devotion and cultural values in young audiences, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is being positioned as a family entertainer rooted in the spiritual legacy of Lord Jagannath. The film builds on the momentum of the earlier animated television series 'Jay Jagannath', which reportedly drew millions of viewers during its broadcast run.
The Creative Team Behind the Film
The project is produced by Durga Prasad Dalai, Founder of Ele Animations, and directed by Shripad Warkhedkar. The story and screenplay are credited to Pallavi Sharma, with original songs composed by Arjit Shrivastava, background score by Aviral Kumar, and lyrics by Atul Kumar Verma.
What the Producer Said
Expressing relief after the court's decision, Durga Prasad Dalai said: 'We created Mahaprabhu Jagannath with utmost devotion, love, and respect for our culture. We are immensely grateful to the Supreme Court for upholding artistic freedom while honoring faith.' He added that the team's goal has always been 'to bring the grace and devotion of Lord Jagannath to children and families across the globe through the medium of cinema and Animation.'
What Happens Next
With Cinepolis now confirmed as the national distributor and the Supreme Court's clearance in place, the film is on course for its 28 August theatrical run. Its release will be watched closely as a test case for regionally rooted animated content finding a pan-India audience.
Point of View
But the episode also shows how easily a last-minute legal challenge can disrupt a film's commercial infrastructure, with 300 theatres left in limbo. For regional animation — still a nascent industry in India — such legal uncertainty carries outsized risk, and the outcome here may set a quiet precedent for how courts treat faith-adjacent content in future cases.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mahaprabhu Jagannath releasing in theatres?
Mahaprabhu Jagannath is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on 28 August, distributed by Cinepolis. The date was confirmed after the Supreme Court cleared an earlier Orissa High Court stay on the film.
Why was Mahaprabhu Jagannath's release delayed?
The film's original 17 July release was blocked by an interim stay issued by the Orissa High Court, following a PIL seeking judicial review of its content. The production house challenged the stay in the Supreme Court, which subsequently cleared the nationwide release.
What is Mahaprabhu Jagannath about?
Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a fictional animated feature film designed to introduce children and families to the devotion and cultural heritage associated with Lord Jagannath. It is Odisha's first animated feature film.
Who made Mahaprabhu Jagannath?
The film is produced by Durga Prasad Dalai, Founder of Ele Animations, and directed by Shripad Warkhedkar. The screenplay is by Pallavi Sharma, with music by Arjit Shrivastava and background score by Aviral Kumar.
Is Mahaprabhu Jagannath connected to an earlier animated series?
Yes. The film follows the animated television series 'Jay Jagannath', produced by the same team, which reportedly garnered millions of views during its broadcast run.
