Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has stayed the release of the animation film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ following allegations that it contains distorted portrayals and inaccuracies related to Lord Jagannath and associated religious traditions.
The interim order was passed while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahoo, a member of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee in Puri.
The court has directed the filmmakers not to release the movie until further orders and has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for August 5. The makers had earlier announced that the film would be released on July 17.
The film has drawn objections from several quarters, including Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and a number of religious scholars, who have alleged that certain aspects of the film do not accurately represent the history, traditions and beliefs associated with Lord Jagannath.
According to the petitioners, concerns had previously been raised with the filmmakers and suggestions were made to incorporate necessary corrections to ensure that audiences receive authentic information about Lord Jagannath and the Jagannath culture.
However, it is alleged that the filmmakers announced the release date without implementing the recommended changes, prompting legal intervention.
The High Court’s interim order will remain in force until further consideration of the matter. The case is expected to be heard again on August 5, when the court will examine the submissions of all parties involved.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate among devotees, scholars and cultural organisations regarding the portrayal of religious subjects in films and the need to balance creative expression with historical and cultural accuracy.
