The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the release of a children’s animated film. Mahaprabhu JagannathBut directed that it be screened only after the Rath Yatra rituals are over, saying the postponement was necessary as objections were raised over some scenes which allegedly do not strictly follow the mythological texts.

Hearing a petition challenging the Orissa High Court order staying the release of the film, the apex court allowed the makers to release it on or after July 28. During the hearing, Justice BV Nagarathna said the adjournment was only to ensure that the ongoing Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully. “It is a public order issue. The rituals are ending on the 27th. You issue it after that,” he said.

Addressing the objections raised by the temple administration, the bench said, “Your devotion is your own. If you don’t like it, you ignore it. The release of the film will not affect your devotion to your God.”

The bench also questioned whether an animated children’s film could actually undermine religious faith. “We want to know whether the devotion will be diminished by the animated film?” The court commented.

The makers had approached the Supreme Court after the Orissa High Court stayed the release of the film across the country, a day before its scheduled theatrical launch on July 17.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the CBFC had approved the film and also took into account the plea that the animated series on which the film is based was available on YouTube for almost two years.

Noting that the Rath Yatra festival will continue for the next 10 days, the court said, “We allow the film to be released on or after July 28.”

When the Solicitor General pointed out that Rath Yatra celebrations take place all over the country, Justice BV Nagarathna remarked, “I know there are Rath Yatras in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad too… It is happening all over the country. You release the film any day after the 27th.”

The Solicitor General argued that the issue was not the animation format of the film but some of the depictions of Lord Jagannath, which were objected to by the temple authorities after the special screening.

He said that scenes showing Lord Jagannath speaking and fighting have created concern among devotees and argued that the release could be postponed until the Rath Yatra is over.

Kamat argued that the film was a fantasy animated story for children and compared it to popular titles. Bal Ganesha And Bal HanumanHaving said that, such films are imaginative adaptations of the Puranas rather than literal retellings.

Kamat further argued that once the CBFC certified the film, neither the state nor the High Court could act as a “super censor” by re-evaluating its content on grounds of morality or public order.

Kamat told the court that the film was adapted from an animated series on Lord Jagannath, which has been streaming on YouTube for almost two years and has received over 100 crore views without attracting similar objections.

Justice Nagarathna said, “We agree with you. All we are saying is that this should not be done during the Rath Yatra.”

In a lighter moment, Bench also told the producers, “Now everyone will be eager to see the film… more box office for you.”

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Why was the film stopped?

In its interim order dated July 15, the Orissa High Court said that though freedom of speech and expression is protected under the Constitution, it cannot be exercised in a manner that hurts religious sentiments and disturbs public order.

The court said it would be “unproductive” to release the film during the ongoing Rath Yatra without incorporating the changes suggested after a special screening before the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and the Sri Jagannath temple administration.

The interim order was passed on a PIL seeking a direction to cancel the CBFC certificate and stay the release of the film. The petitioners alleged that the film depicts fictional events related to Lord Jagannath which are inconsistent with the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and established temple traditions and may hurt the sentiments of devotees.

Makers defended the film

A day before the Supreme Court hearing, Ellie Animation issued a statement saying Mahaprabhu Jagannath Was built with “utmost sincerity, honesty and devotion” towards Lord Jagannath and his devotees.

Describing it as “an extension of our animated series Jai Jagannath”, the makers said that the film is a “heartfelt portrayal of a devotee”. Bhava (devotion) towards Mahaprabhu Jagannath“.

“We deeply respect the sentiments of every devotee and every person who follows the path of Lord Jagannath. We just hope that the audience will get a chance to watch the film and decide for themselves,” the statement said.

The producers also noted that the film had received a U certificate from the CBFC in Hindi, Odia and Telugu, adding that they would refrain from commenting further as the matter was still sub-judice.

Earlier, before the High Court, the makers had argued that the film carried a disclaimer stating that it was a work of fiction, with no claims of historical or religious authenticity. He also relied on the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a), pointing to the substantial financial investment in the project.