The Delhi High Court has refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking a stay on the release of the upcoming Bollywood film The Taj Story, starring Paresh Rawal. The plea, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), demanded immediate legal safeguards to prevent the movie’s release, citing concerns over its content.

Allegations in the petition

The petitioner, advocate Shakeel Abbas, alleged that the film distorts historical facts and could disrupt communal harmony. According to the PIL, The Taj Story—scheduled for release on October 31—is “based on fabricated narratives” that may incite tensions among different religious communities in India.

The plea highlighted that the film’s teaser and promotional posters show the Taj Mahal’s dome being lifted, with a figure of Lord Shiva appearing beneath it. This imagery has sparked widespread debate and criticism, as it challenges established historical and cultural interpretations of the monument.

About the film

The Taj Story is written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goyal and produced by Suresh Jha. The movie features a strong ensemble cast, including Paresh Rawal, Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh.

The film reportedly delves into controversial theories about the origin and construction of the Taj Mahal, questioning the accepted historical accounts of one of India’s most iconic monuments.