‘The Taj Story’: What to Expect from the Controversial New Film

Today, Saturday,  01 November 2025, marks the final countdown after the release of the Hindi film, ‘The Taj Story’. This movie is a courtroom drama that has sparked a lot of debate across India even before it hits the theatres, Yesterday, October 31.

The film promises to question the accepted history of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments. For Indian readers, who hold the Taj Mahal close to their hearts, this film is set to bring up some very deep questions about our history and heritage.

The Taj Story – Challenging the Conventional History of the Taj Mahal

The main theme of ‘The Taj Story’ is its challenge to the established narrative about the Taj Mahal. Traditionally, we have been taught that the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in Agra as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

However, this film suggests a different angle. It focuses on theories that claim the monument was originally a Hindu temple known as Tejo Mahalaya. The movie is about a local guide’s mission to uncover the “real” history of the monument. He takes his curiosity all the way to a courtroom.

The Taj Story Plot: A Guide’s Quest for Truth

The central character is Vishnu Das, a local tour guide played by the veteran actor Paresh Rawal. Vishnu Das is not happy with the official story of the Taj Mahal. He becomes obsessed with finding out the truth.

His curiosity leads him to a courtroom battle. He even demands a DNA test of the Taj Mahal to prove whether it is a temple or a tomb. The trailer shows dramatic debates about faith, historical records, and ownership. Actor Zakir Hussain plays a lawyer in the film. The movie raises questions about the 22 locked rooms inside the monument.

Big Names and a Big Controversy

The film stars an impressive cast, including Paresh Rawal and Zakir Hussain. The director of this Hindi-language courtroom drama is Tushar Amrish Goel.

Right from its announcement, the film has faced a lot of controversy.

Allegations of ‘Propaganda’ and Backlash

The film has been accused by some critics of being a “propaganda piece” that might create communal tension. The controversy grew when a poster was released showing a figure of Lord Shiva emerging from the dome of the Taj Mahal. This image suggested the monument was a temple.

However, the makers of the film, and Paresh Rawal himself, have tried to calm the situation. They have issued a clarification. They state that the movie does not deal with religious matters. They say it does not claim that a Shiv temple is inside the Taj Mahal. Instead, they claim the movie is solely focused on presenting “historical facts” based on research.

Legal Battles Before Release

The film has also landed in legal trouble. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court. The PIL tried to stop the film’s release. The petitioner claimed the movie used “fabricated facts” and could harm communal peace. The Delhi High Court, however, declined to hear the plea urgently. This means the movie can proceed with its scheduled release.

Why This Movie Matters to Indian Readers

The Taj Mahal is an important symbol for India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Any film that questions its history will naturally attract a lot of attention. The debate around ‘The Taj Story’ is healthy because it encourages people to think about history. The filmmakers say they want to clear up “decades-old, cemented misunderstandings” about the Taj Mahal.

It remains to be seen how the audience will react to this film. The movie is set to be a strong social drama that forces the public to confront different historical viewpoints.

The movie ‘The Taj Story’ questions the Taj Mahal’s origin, suggesting it might have been a temple, sparking intense controversy before its October 31, 2025, release.