The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought to delay the release of The Taj Story, a film starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal.
The plea filed just days before the movie’s October 31 release, argued that the film distorts the Taj Mahal’s history and could ignite social unrest. The bench, led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyay, refused to fast-track the matter, stating, “Why today? When was the certification issued? It will be auto listed.”
Poster That Started It All
Controversy began last month when the film’s poster went viral and depicted a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal’s dome alongside the provocative tagline What if everything you have been taught is a lie? Social media quickly erupted with many users accusing the filmmakers of promoting fake history and religious propaganda.
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The production company Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd. issued a clarification that The Taj Story does not challenge any religion or espouse the theory that the Taj Mahal was a temple. Instead, they described it as a film looking at historical interpretations and asked viewers to watch the film before judging it.
What are the Legal Challenge?
Advocate Shakeel Abbas, who filed the PIL, said the movie carried fabricated content that may disturb communal peace. He asked the court to direct the CBFC to re-examine or cut portions of the film. Abbas reasoned that The Taj Story may dent India’s cultural prestige and mislead the public about one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
BJP Leader Raises Separate Complaint
BJP leader Rajneesh Singh from Ayodhya lodged a complaint with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the CBFC asserting that the film draws from his 2022 court petition seeking to open 22 locked rooms in the Taj Mahal.
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Singh claimed the filmmakers used his judicial matter without permission, calling it a violation of his intellectual rights.
How the Makers Defend Their Work
Lead actor Paresh Rawal has stood firm, saying the movie’s purpose is to present historical interpretations, not provoke divisions. “It’s about architecture, legacy and myth not religion,” he said. Director Tushar Amrish Goel and co-star Zakir Hussain echoed his view, insisting the film encourages informed discussion, not controversy.
As of now, The Taj Story remains cleared for release with audiences and history enthusiast set to deliver their own verdict this Friday.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not endorse any claims or opinions expressed in or about The Taj Story film.
