“The Taj Story,” the next movie starring Bollywood veteran Paresh Rawal, has already been embroiled in a contentious debate. A motion poster for the October 31, 2025, movie has drawn a lot of criticism and sparked a heated internet discussion about religion, history, and artistic expression.The promotional material prompted such a strong reaction that the makers were forced to issue a public clarification to address the growing anger.
What Exactly Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy began when a motion poster for the film was unveiled on social media. Paresh Rawal was shown in the video raising the Taj Mahal’s famous dome to expose an idol of Lord Shiva within. This powerful imagery went viral almost instantly, drawing sharp criticism from thousands of users. The filmmakers were accused by many of “hurting religious emotions” and “distorting history.” One person said, “OMG, didn’t expect this from Paresh Rawal,” while another claimed, “These guys want to cause turmoil in the country.” The poster sparked a barrage of angry comments.
How Did Paresh Rawal and the Makers Respond?
Initially, Paresh Rawal shared the poster on X (formerly Twitter) with a provocative caption: “What if everything you’ve been taught is a lie? The truth isn’t just hidden; it’s being judged. Unveil the facts with #TheTajStory.” However, following the intense outrage, this post was deleted. In its place, Rawal shared an official disclaimer from the production house, Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The statement sought to calm tensions by clarifying that the movie “does not deal with any religious matters, nor does it claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal,” and that it “focuses solely on historical facts.”
What is the Film Really About?
The film’s teaser, released earlier in August, provides some context. It showcases Paresh Rawal in an intense courtroom drama, passionately arguing about the intellectual erasure of a community. This implies that rather than being a simple period drama, the movie will delve into historical discussions from a legal perspective. Mainstream archaeologists and historians frequently refute the long-standing fringe theory that the Taj Mahal was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple, which is the root of the disagreement.
Why is This Controversy Ignited?
Despite the makers’ clarification, the criticism has continued, with some netizens calling the entire episode a calculated “publicity stunt.” The incident highlights the sensitive intersection of cinema, history, and faith in India. This proves that even promotional content can revive old cultural debates, making filmmakers defend themselves before the movie is out. It also sparks discussion on where creativity ends and responsibility begins.
Disclaimer: This article reports on the public reaction to a film’s promotional material and the subsequent statement from its production house.
