Odisha government objects in Supreme Court to depiction of Lord Jagannath in ‘cartoon form’ in animated film
The Odisha government has petitioned the Supreme Court to block the release of an animated film, 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath', citing concerns over the 'cartoonish' depiction of the deity. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that animated fiction does not inherently diminish religious devotion.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between creative freedom and religious sentiment in India, and the role of the judiciary in mediating these disputes.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Tuesday (July 29, 2026) the Odisha government’s objection to the depiction of Lord Jagannath in a “cartoon form” in the animated movie ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’.
Appearing before a Bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, the State government counsel mentioned orally that “they (film-makers) have presented the Lord in a cartoon form”.
The State has sought a modification of an earlier Supreme Court order permitting the film’s release after Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The court on July 17 permitted the exhibition of the film after the completion of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 27, 2026. The court directed that the film could be released on or after July 28.
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