Delhi High Court refuses to stay the release of ‘The Taj Story’ starring Paresh Rawal. The film sparks debate over historical portrayal of the Taj Mahal ahead of its October 31 release.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to stall the release of ‘The Taj Story’, a historical drama starring Paresh Rawal. The decision comes just two days before the film’s scheduled nationwide release on October 31, 2025.
What Sparked the Controversy
The controversy erupted last month when the official poster of the film, showing a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal’s dome, was released online. The caption read: “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.”
Social media users accused the makers of spreading “propaganda” and “fake history”, fueling debates about the portrayal of the Taj Mahal’s origins. In response, Swarnim Global Service Pvt Ltd, the film’s producer, clarified that the movie “does not deal with any religious matters” and focuses solely on historical facts.
Despite these clarifications, critics continue to draw comparisons with recent controversial releases like ‘The Udaipur Files’ and ‘The Bengal Files’, which were alleged to have political undertones.
The PIL and Its Claims
The PIL, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, alleged that the film promotes fabricated and provocative content regarding the Taj Mahal’s origins. The petition sought a court-ordered review of the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and demanded edits to prevent potential communal tension.
The petition argued that the film “spreads manipulated history, undermines faith in historical scholarship, and could harm the international reputation of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.” It further claimed that certain scenes could provoke societal unrest and disturb communal harmony.
However, when the matter was presented before Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the bench refused to grant an urgent hearing, stating, “Why today? When was the certification issued? It will be auto-listed. Sorry.”
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Related Complaint by BJP Leader
Separately, BJP leader Rajneesh Singh from Ayodhya filed a complaint with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the CBFC seeking a ban. Singh claimed that the film’s content was based on his earlier petition in the Allahabad High Court, which sought to open 22 locked rooms in the Taj Mahal to verify historical facts. That petition was dismissed in May 2022, but Singh argued that the film uses his judicial matter without consent, violating his intellectual and legal rights.
Paresh Rawal and Team Respond
Actor Paresh Rawal defended the film, stating that “The Taj Story aims to reveal lesser-known historical aspects rather than provoke controversy.” He explained that the film explores the architectural transformation of the Taj Mahal, historical events, and previously overlooked narratives documented by historians over centuries.
Co-star Zakir Hussain, who plays a lawyer in the film, added: “Some historical subjects naturally generate debates. We aim to provide a well-researched perspective, supported by multiple primary sources, fostering healthy discussion among the audience.”
Director Tushar Amrish Goel highlighted that the collaboration between Rawal and Hussain contributes significantly to the film’s tone, blending factual storytelling with engaging cinematic narrative.
Release Status
As of Wednesday, the Delhi High Court has not stayed the release of the film. ‘The Taj Story’ is still scheduled to premiere in theatres nationwide on October 31, 2025.
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