Jagannath Film Release Postponed After Puri Gajapati Raises Concerns Over Trailer

Bhubaneswar:The release of the upcoming animated feature film Mahaprabhu Jagannath has been postponed after Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb raised objections to certain portions of its trailer and sought immediate changes before its theatrical release.

The pan-India animated film, produced by Elee Animations Private Limited and originally scheduled to hit theatres on July 10, has now been put on hold following discussions between the filmmakers and the Puri royal family.

Speaking on the issue, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb clarified that he welcomed efforts to spread the story and traditions of Lord Jagannath through cinema, but stressed that the portrayal must remain faithful to history and religious beliefs.

“We want the story and traditions of Lord Jagannath to reach people through this film. However, nothing should distort or alter the established history, traditions or the image of the Lord. We requested the makers to make the necessary corrections and postpone the release. They have agreed to do so,” he said.

The controversy began after the trailer of Mahaprabhu Jagannath began circulating on social media, prompting concerns from devotees and religious circles over certain depictions in the film. After reviewing the trailer, the Gajapati Maharaja reportedly expressed deep dissatisfaction and urged the producers to revisit the content before releasing it to the public.

The development comes just days after the film’s trailer was launched before a gathering of more than 10,000 devotees during a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha event in Cuttack, making it one of the biggest physical trailer launches for an animated film in India. The trailer was unveiled by spiritual orator Indresh Upadhyay, with chants of “Jai Jagannath” filling the venue.

Directed by Shripad Warkhedkar, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is being promoted as India’s first pan-India theatrical animated feature on Lord Jagannath. The film features a screenplay by Pallavi Sharma and music by Aviral Kumar. It was originally slated for release in Hindi, Odia and Telugu.
The filmmakers are now expected to make the suggested changes before announcing a revised release date.