The Delhi High Court recently declined to grant an urgent hearing for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aiming to block the release of the film ‘The Taj Story,’ which features actor Paresh Rawal. The movie has ignited a significant debate concerning its depiction of the Taj Mahal’s origins. This decision by the court came just two days before the film’s planned nationwide premiere on October 31.
The Spark of Controversy
The controversy ignited last month following the release of the film’s poster, which depicted a statue of Lord Shiva seemingly emerging from the Taj Mahal’s dome. The poster was accompanied by the 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 on 31st October in cinemas near you.”
This led to widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing the filmmakers of propagating “propaganda” and “fake history.” In response, the film’s producer, Swarnim Global Service Pvt Ltd, issued a statement clarifying that the movie does not engage with religious matters or assert the existence of a Shiv temple within the Taj Mahal, focusing instead on historical facts. They urged viewers to watch the film and form their own opinions.
However, the debate continued, with critics drawing comparisons to recent films like ‘The Udaipur Files’ and ‘The Bengal Files,’ which also faced accusations of political undertones.
The Petition’s Claims
The PIL filed in the Delhi High Court by advocate Shakeel Abbas argued that the film promotes “fabricated and provocative content” regarding the Taj Mahal’s origins. The petitioner sought a stay on the movie’s release and requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the film’s certification or implement necessary cuts to “safeguard communal harmony.”
The petition alleged that the film was created with a specific agenda to disseminate manipulated historical narratives, potentially undermining historical scholarship and damaging the international reputation of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It further claimed that ‘The Taj Story’ contains “deeply divisive scenes that could provoke communal tensions and disturb peace in society.”
However, the bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, refused to take up the plea for urgent hearing, stating, “Why today? When was the certification issued? It will be auto listed. Sorry.”
Another Complaint from a BJP Leader
In a related development, BJP leader Rajneesh Singh from Ayodhya filed a complaint with the information and broadcasting ministry and the CBFC, seeking a ban on the film. Singh claimed that the movie appeared to be based on a petition he had previously filed in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which sought to open 22 locked rooms in the Taj Mahal to verify historical facts. Although that petition was dismissed in May 2022, Singh asserted that ‘The Taj Story’ used his “judicial matter” without consent, calling it a violation of his intellectual and legal rights.
Perspectives from the Cast and Crew
Actor Paresh Rawal defended the film, emphasizing its aim to explore lesser-known historical aspects rather than create controversy. He stated, “The film is about the architecture, and then the Taj’s transformation, which was borrowed from someone who borrowed someone else’s palace. The time it took, some notions, and a few misunderstandings that the hands of around 22,000 people were cut off—all of these have been revealed. The truth has been revealed.” Rawal added that the film intends to “clear the obvious and present the historical facts from primary sources,” noting that the ongoing controversy negatively impacts the social fabric and national psyche.
Actor Zakir Hussain, who portrays a lawyer in the film, shared similar sentiments, highlighting that the subject matter, documented in historical texts since the 16th century, aims to foster healthy debate. Director Tushar Amrish Goel also commented on the effective collaboration between Rawal and Hussain.
As of Wednesday, with no stay order from the Delhi High Court, ‘The Taj Story’ remains on track for its theatrical release.