Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated release of animated feature film on Lord Jagannath, titled Mahaprabhu Jagannath, has been put on hold following strong objections from Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the chairperson of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
The Bhubaneswar-based production house M/S Ele Animation Pvt Ltd had originally scheduled the film’s theatrical release for July 10 in multiple languages including Odia, Hindi, and Telugu, with plans for a pan-India rollout across over 300 screens in partnership with Cinepolis. The movie, an adaptation of the studio’s popular Pogo channel animated series Jay Jagannath, was positioned as the launch title for Ele Animations’ ambitious “Sanatan Universe” franchise focused on Indian devotional and mythological storytelling.
A special screening of the film was held at the auditorium of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration office in the presence of members of the Jagannath Cult Propagation and Preaching Sub-committee, along with the producers and directors. Following the screening, the Gajapati Maharaja raised serious concerns, stating that the animation included several imaginary incidents and portrayals that did not align with the established religious traditions, scriptures, and widely accepted legends associated with Lord Jagannath.
While appreciating initiatives to create films on Lord Jagannath to spread devotion, the Puri king emphasised that such productions must strictly adhere to the deity’s sacred history and authentic narratives. He directed the producers to revise the content accordingly. The Gajapati also appealed for expert review and authentication by the temple administration before any public release.
The producers have assured the temple authorities that necessary corrections and changes will be made to the film. A revised version is expected to be screened again before the temple body for final review.
This development comes just ahead of the sacred Rath Yatra, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding representations of Lord Jagannath.
