Animated feature film Mahaprabhu Jagannath is set to release across more than 300 screens in Hindi, Odia, and Telugu, marking the opening chapter of an ambitious new franchise called the Sanatan Universe. Produced by Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., the film adapts the studio's popular Pogo channel animated series Jay Jagannath into a full-length theatrical feature.

From Television to the Big Screen

The transition from a beloved TV series to a cinematic release reflects the studio's confidence in audience demand. The film plunges deep into the sacred lore of Lord Jagannath, weaving together cultural lessons and timeless values through vibrant, child-friendly visuals. While crafted with younger viewers in mind, the narrative is designed to resonate emotionally with adults as well, promising a shared family experience.

Durga Prasad Dalai, founder, director, and creative head of Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., said: 'Our journey began with a vision to bring the divine stories of Mahaprabhu Jagannath to every household through animation. After seeing the overwhelming love our series received, taking this to the big screen was the natural next step.'

The Sanatan Universe Vision

Dalai described the film as far more than a standalone release. 'This film is not just about entertainment; it's about passing on our rich heritage and values to the next generation in a way that is fun, engaging, and visually stunning. But Mahaprabhu Jagannath is just the first chapter. It lays the cornerstone for our grander vision: the Sanatan Universe,' he said.

The studio envisions an interconnected cultural ecosystem spanning cinema, television, music, education, and immersive experience destinations. According to Dalai, the goal is to 'position Indian spiritual storytelling as a premium global proposition and education about our deities and culture through the medium of entertainment.'

Upcoming Slate and Expansion Plans

The studio's pipeline includes Mere Bhole, an animated children's series inspired by Lord Shiva, alongside interconnected stories centred on Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Durga. Plans also include modern formats to make the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads accessible to younger generations.

On the infrastructure side, the roadmap includes immersive experience destinations beginning in Puri, a dedicated devotional music label, and a live-stream channel from the Puri Jagannath Temple for global devotees.

Cultural Significance and Market Context

The release arrives at a time when faith-based and mythological content has found growing traction in Indian entertainment — from streaming platforms to theatrical releases. Mahaprabhu Jagannath positions itself at the intersection of devotional storytelling and mainstream animation, a space that has seen limited but impactful entries in recent years. Its multi-lingual rollout across Hindi, Odia, and Telugu markets signals a deliberate push for pan-India reach, with Odia audiences holding particular cultural proximity to the Jagannath tradition centred in Puri, Odisha.

With the Sanatan Universe now formally launched, all eyes will be on how audiences respond at the box office — and whether the franchise model can sustain the ambitious ecosystem Ele Animations has outlined.