India, July 30 -- The controversy surrounding the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' further intensified on Thursday after Puri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati opposed the Supreme Court's nod to the release of the film and questioned the judiciary's role in deciding matters related to religion and religious traditions.

While the apex court cleared the film for release, Shankaracharya's remarks have reignited a nationwide debate on religious sentiments, artistic freedom, and the portrayal of Lord Jagannath on screen.

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan allowed the film's release after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Jagannath Rath Yatra and its associated rituals, whic...