India’s animation industry is preparing for a major theatrical launch as Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. readies its feature film Mahaprabhu Jagannath. The film will open across more than 300 screens in India in Hindi, Odia, and Telugu, through a partnership with Cinepolis, and also marks the formal start of the interconnected Sanatan Universe project.
Positioned as the foundation stone of the Sanatan Universe, Mahaprabhu Jagannath is planned as more than a single release. The project acts as the opening chapter of a wider cultural franchise, where animation, music, education, television, and physical experiences link together to present Indian spiritual stories in a shared creative framework.
Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Sanatan Universe in Indian animation
The Mahaprabhu Jagannath feature grows out of Ele Animations’ earlier television success Jay Jagannath, first broadcast on the Pogo channel. Episodes of the show drew millions of views, building a loyal young audience. That response encouraged the studio to expand the original intellectual property into a full-length film aimed at families across the country.
Mahaprabhu Jagannath focuses on the sacred traditions around Lord Jagannath, bringing long-told stories to the cinema screen. The film uses devotional themes and Indian cultural motifs, while also aiming for broad appeal. Colourful visuals and accessible storytelling are shaped for children, while emotional depth and spiritual ideas are kept clear for adults.
Reflecting on this shift from television to cinema, Durga Prasad Dalai said, “Our journey began with a vision to bring the divine stories of Mahaprabhu Jagannath to every household through animation. After seeing the overwhelming love our series received, taking this to the big screen was the natural next step. This film is not just about entertainment; it’s about passing on our rich heritage and values to the next generation in a way that is fun, engaging, and visually stunning.”
Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Sanatan Universe franchise in Indian animation
Dalai also outlined the broader mission behind Mahaprabhu Jagannath and the Sanatan Universe concept. Dalai said, “But Mahaprabhu Jagannath is just the first chapter. It lays the cornerstone for our grander vision: the Sanatan Universe. We are building an interconnected cultural ecosystem that goes far beyond cinema, spanning TV, music, education, and even immersive experience destinations in Puri. By leveraging our civilizational memory, we want to position Indian spiritual storytelling as a premium global proposition and education about our deities and culture through the medium of entertainment. We are absolutely thrilled to begin this incredible journey and bring a culturally rooted, magical experience to families across India”.
Within the wider Sanatan Universe roadmap, Ele Animations is planning several linked projects around Indian deities. A future theatrical film is scheduled to coincide with the next Rath Yatra cycle. The slate also includes Mere Bhole, an animated children’s series centred on Lord Shiva, and related stories featuring Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Durga.
The studio is also developing formats that present teachings from the Vedas and Upanishads in simple, creative ways for younger viewers. Beyond animation releases, the Sanatan Universe plan includes a devotional music label, a live-stream channel from the Puri Jagannath Temple, and possible immersive experience destinations beginning in Puri for visitors and global devotees.
Ele Animations, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has been producing animated content since 2008 for audiences in more than 36 countries. The company is known for combining Indian mythological narratives with modern production techniques, focusing on original properties. Mahaprabhu Jagannath now becomes a central project in this approach, linking faith-based stories with large-scale theatrical distribution.
As Mahaprabhu Jagannath heads for its pan-India theatrical release, the film serves a dual purpose for Indian animation. It offers a family-friendly portrayal of Lord Jagannath’s lore while also acting as the launchpad for the Sanatan Universe, a long-term cultural initiative that aims to share Indian spiritual storytelling with both domestic and international viewers.
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