Paresh Rawal Defends ‘The Taj Story’ Against Court Case

Paresh Rawal asserts his upcoming film, which challenges conventional narratives of the Taj Mahal, is a necessary corrective to historical “misunderstandings.”

October 30, 2025: Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has staunchly defended his upcoming film, ‘The Taj Story,’ amidst a growing controversy and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to regulate its release.

Scheduled for a theatrical release on October 31, 2025, the film is described as a social drama that delves into lesser-known and controversial theories surrounding the origins and construction of the Taj Mahal.

Rawal’s Justification: Revealing Historical ‘Misunderstandings’

Speaking to a news agency, Paresh Rawal asserted that the film’s purpose is to reveal the truth and clear up long-held misconceptions about the monument.

• Dispelling Myths: Rawal specifically highlighted that the movie addresses and debunks the historical notion that the hands of the 22,000 workers who built the Taj Mahal were cut off.

• Architectural Focus: He explained, “The film is about the architecture, and then the Taj’s transformation… 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.”

• Societal Impact: The actor also commented on the controversies surrounding the film, stating that such disputes cause a significant loss to the “social fabric, people’s psyche, and a country like India, which often witnesses delicate situations.”

The PIL and Allegations of Provocative Content

The controversy escalated following the filing of a PIL in the Delhi High Court by Advocate Shakeel Abbas. The plea objects to the film’s content and its promotional material.

• ‘Hindu Temple’ Theory: The PIL claims that the film’s speculative claims could undermine public trust in history and incite communal tension by reviving the controversial theory of the Taj Mahal’s Hindu temple origins. A particular objection was raised against a poster allegedly showing a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal dome.

• Plea’s Demands: Advocate Abbas argues that ‘The Taj Story’ contains “fabricated and provocative content.” The PIL requests the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to reassess the film’s certification, mandate necessary cuts to maintain communal harmony, and direct the filmmakers to include a clear disclaimer stating the film presents a contested narrative rather than established facts.

• Court’s Stance: The Delhi High Court, however, recently declined the urgent listing of the PIL against the film.

What ‘The Taj Story’ Revolves Around

Directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, the film is positioned as a courtroom drama and a fearless social commentary that challenges conventional history.

• Core Theme: The movie’s main premise is encapsulated by the provocative question: “Even after 79 years of Independence, are we still slaves of intellectual terrorism?”
• Ensemble Cast: The film stars Paresh Rawal alongside a strong ensemble cast, including Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sneha Wagh, Namit Das, and others.

Despite the legal and public scrutiny, ‘The Taj Story’ remains slated for its release on October 31, 2025, promising a cinematic debate on one of India’s most iconic monuments.