Puri Shankaracharya Calls for Ban on Animated Film Depicting Lord Jagannath

The Shankaracharya of Puri has called for a ban on an animated film centered around Lord Jagannath, citing concerns over alleged distortions of scriptural content. The religious leader expressed his disapproval, arguing that the portrayal in the film does not align with traditional representations of the deity.

This demand comes despite a recent ruling from the Supreme Court, which permitted the film's release following clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court's decision affirmed that the film met the necessary guidelines for public viewing, allowing it to move forward in its distribution.

The controversy surrounding the film highlights ongoing tensions between artistic expression and religious sentiment in India. While some view the animated film as a modern retelling that could attract younger audiences, others, including the Shankaracharya, maintain that fidelity to religious texts is paramount. The situation continues to evolve as discussions unfold within both the artistic and religious communities.