New Delhi: Just days before its much-anticipated release, Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film The Taj Story has become embroiled in controversy following two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed against it. The film, which explores a historical theme linked to the Taj Mahal, is set to hit theatres on October 31, 2025.
A BJP leader from Ayodhya filed a PIL seeking a ban on the film, claiming it is based on the same subject as a petition he filed in the High Court in 2022.
In a separate plea, Shakeel Abbas urged the authorities to review the film’s certification and demanded that a disclaimer be added, clarifying that the film “deals with a contested narrative and does not claim to be a definitive historical account.”
However, on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court refused to grant an urgent hearing to the plea.
Paresh Rawal: “No Hindu-Muslim Jingoism in the Film”
Responding to the controversy, Paresh Rawal and co-star Zakir Hussain addressed the issue in an exclusive conversation with NDTV, emphasizing that The Taj Story was created with responsibility and factual research.
“Tushar (the director) came with amazing research. There is nothing hanky-panky in it,” said Rawal, assuring that the film was made with utmost care and authenticity.
“His sources were clearly mentioned, and I even checked with friends who confirmed the facts. From the very beginning, we made sure there would be no Hindu-Muslim jingoism in this film,” he added.
The veteran actor further stressed that the film avoids any inflammatory content and instead focuses on shared history and acceptance.
“There’s even a dialogue in the film where a character says, ‘Brother, it’s you journalists who make everything about Hindu and Muslim. There’s no Hindu-Muslim conflict here. This is about shared history,’” Rawal explained.
He also quoted another line that captures the film’s message of peace:
“‘When someone says, ‘What should we do with this?’ another replies, ‘Break it.’ Then a character says, ‘No, brother, we’re not the ones who destroy. Not even a scratch should come to it. Every problem cannot be solved by breaking or destroying things. Sometimes, acceptance itself is a big thing.’”
Zakir Hussain: “The Film Is Rooted in Historical Facts”
Co-actor Zakir Hussain reiterated that the film’s foundation lies in documented history, not imagination.
“The acceptance is based on facts, written by Shah Jahan himself. We’re not saying he built something bad; he made something magnificent. But what was it actually? Why hide it, and from whom?” he questioned.
Paresh Rawal Responds to PILs
Addressing the petitions filed against The Taj Story, Paresh Rawal clarified that there was no intent to halt the release, but rather to ensure the judiciary previewed the film.
“That PIL wasn’t filed to stop the film. They just wanted the judiciary to watch it once. But the film already has a CBFC certificate. Even the judiciary understands all this; they’re not foolish,” he said.
“We never intended to create any Hindu-Muslim controversy. Would anyone invest so much money just to create communal trouble? You can cause a riot for far less!” Rawal remarked.
About The Taj Story
Directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, The Taj Story stars Paresh Rawal and Zakir Hussain in pivotal roles. The film delves into the historical and cultural layers surrounding one of India’s most iconic monuments — the Taj Mahal — and seeks to explore its story through a humanistic and reflective lens.
The Taj Story will be released nationwide on October 31, 2025.