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New Delhi: Animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath courted controversy after the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee objected to the film’s release and alleged that it presents a fictional deity’s life that is inconsistent with Hindu scriptures.

Just one day before the film’s release in theatres, the Orissa High Court put a stay on the film’s release, which was a major setback for the makers as distributors had booked the film.

Makers then reached out to the Supreme Court, challenging the plea by the Orissa High Court. The top court then granted relief to the makers and allowed the release of the film in theatres on or after July 28 once the Rath Yatra concludes.

Now, in an exclusive conversation with News9 Digital, Durga Prasad Dalai, founder, director and creative head of Ele Animations, spoke to us in length about the setbacks the makers faced due to the Orissa High Court’s order. He also shared with us that they are now planning for an August release.

Q. After the Supreme Court’s relief, what is your plan of action now?

Durga Prasad Dalai: The court has told us that we can do the release on or after the 28th. So, we’re talking to our distributors to figure out a good date. We’re looking at August 7 or 14.

Q. What kind of setbacks or losses have you faced because of the release getting postponed?

Durga Prasad Dalai: It’s definitely a setback. There was enthusiasm about the movie. A lot of theatre bookings were done. We’ve been getting a lot of enquiries about the bookings across India. We haven’t calculated the exact number, but the losses are in crores.

Q. What exactly was the issue behind the last-minute filing of the PIL against the film?

Durga Prasad Dalai: We announced the movie two months ago. It looks like a planned thing. They waited until the last moment. We stated that in the court as well. They didn’t have anything to say in the court. The fear of the complainant is that some disaster or mishap can happen at the theatres. The court agreed to that. We’re okay with it. The issue is that because of the delay, we’re in a much worse position than we had expected.

Q. Is finding a new release date proving to be challenging now?

Durga Prasad Dalai: It is very difficult because there are a lot of movies lined up over the next few weeks. Because of the last-minute withdrawal from the theatres, the exhibitors and distributors have also incurred losses, which in turn affect us as well. We’ll have to bear everything. There may be some trust issues for the new release date too. What if something new comes up after announcing the new date? This rational fear arises.

Q. Subjects like this are gaining popularity among audiences. What are your thoughts on that?

Durga Prasad Dalai: This is not the first film. We had a series on Pogo. It’s also available on social media in parts. We had nothing but positive reviews and feedback for the same. The impact of the show has been very positive on the kids. Their parents are our second audience, who have reached out to us saying that their kids are behaving in a positive way. I don’t know what the complainants have an objection to. We’re very firm believers in Lord Jagannath and that’s why we have made the show and the film.

India has always been a land of spirituality. But probably there were darker times when things like this were not accepted or were mocked for a few decades. Probably, India is now going back to its culture. The younger generation is probably becoming a beacon of hope for that. I don’t know the exact reason for that.

People have become more and more open about their beliefs over the past 10–12 years instead of keeping them confined to a private space. Maybe that’s attracting the younger generation. Younger masses are at the forefront of it. Maybe a new awakening is happening in the country. I think we’ve chosen the right time to tell the story.