‘The Taj Story’ is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language courtroom drama that has generated considerable buzz and controversy for its provocative subject matter.
In a significant ruling just hours before its scheduled release, the Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at halting the screening of the upcoming film, ‘The Taj Story,’ starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal. The High Court, in a sharp rebuke to the petitioner, underscored the limits of judicial review over the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and clarified that it was “not a Super Censor Board.” The dismissal paves the way for the film’s release, which is slated for October 31.
The Courtroom Drama Beyond the Screen
The petition, filed by senior Delhi advocate Shakeel Abbas, sought to block the release of ‘The Taj Story’—a film that has stirred controversy by challenging the conventional historical narrative of the Taj Mahal. The petitioner alleged that the film presented “fabricated facts” and “wrong historical information” that could mislead the public and potentially incite religious and communal tensions. The PIL had named the film’s producers, director, the Central Government, the CBFC, and surprisingly, actor Paresh Rawal, as parties.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, quickly turned into a strong admonition for the petitioner. The Bench questioned the petitioner’s decision to bypass the established mechanism—filing a revision application before the Central Government against the CBFC certificate—before approaching the High Court. “Are we a Super Censor Board?” the Chief Justice remarked, emphasising the court’s institutional boundaries. He further advised the petitioner to understand the limitations and to act within the scope of the Cinematograph Act.
A central point of contention raised by the judiciary was the inclusion of actor Paresh Rawal as a respondent. The judge questioned the actor’s liability concerning the film’s content, stating, “What responsibility does the actor have regarding the content of the film?”
Faced with the court’s firm stance and the failure to adhere to statutory procedures, the petitioner ultimately chose to withdraw the PIL. The High Court’s ruling confirms the validity of the CBFC’s clearance and removes the final legal hurdle for the movie’s nationwide theatrical debut.
‘The Taj Story’
‘The Taj Story’ is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language courtroom drama that has generated considerable buzz and controversy for its provocative subject matter. Written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goel and produced by CA Suresh Jha, the film is a dramatic exploration of one of India’s most contested historical debates: the origins of the Taj Mahal.
Plot and Core Theme: The movie, which features Paresh Rawal in the central role of a lawyer (or, in some promotional material, a tourist guide who turns into a crusader for truth), delves into controversial claims that the iconic monument was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as ‘Tejo Mahalaya,’ which was later converted into a tomb by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The film is touted as a hard-hitting social and historical thriller that questions historical narratives and the concept of “intellectual terrorism” decades after India’s independence. Promotional content, including the trailer, has been particularly contentious, with images suggesting the Taj Mahal’s dome lifting to reveal a figure of Lord Shiva.
Cast and Crew:
- Starring: Paresh Rawal, Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh, among others.
- Director/Writer: Tushar Amrish Goel
- Producer: CA Suresh Jha
Controversy and Intent: The film has been mired in controversy since its promotion began, facing accusations of distorting history, promoting a political agenda, and risking communal disharmony. The filmmakers and Paresh Rawal have, however, defended the project, stating that it is based on extensive research from primary sources and is intended to spark a healthy, evidence-based debate rather than cause religious conflict. They insist the movie is a fictional courtroom drama inspired by public discussions and aims to present alternative, lesser-known historical facts about the monument’s architecture, construction time, and ownership history.
Release Status: Following the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of the PIL, ‘The Taj Story’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 31.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the core reason for the PIL filed against ‘The Taj Story’ in the Delhi High Court?
A: The PIL was filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, alleging that the film propagates “fabricated facts” and “wrong historical information” about the Taj Mahal’s origins. The petitioner claimed this could mislead the public, erode faith in historical scholarship, and potentially incite religious or communal tensions, thus seeking a stay on the film’s release or a review of its CBFC certification.
Q2: Why did the Delhi High Court dismiss the petition against the film’s release?
A: The Delhi High Court dismissed the plea, stating that it was “not a Super Censor Board.” The Bench pointed out that the petitioner had failed to follow the established statutory procedure, which first requires filing a revision application against the CBFC certificate before the Central Government, as per the Cinematograph Act. The court refused to exercise its power to review a certificate already granted by the expert body.
Q3: Who stars in ‘The Taj Story’ and what is its release date?
A: The film stars veteran actor Paresh Rawal in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast including Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Namit Das. Following the High Court’s dismissal of the petition, the film is scheduled for its nationwide theatrical release on October 31.