Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has spoken out after a poster for his upcoming film The Taj Story sparked debate online. The poster showed Rawal lifting the dome of the Taj Mahal, with an idol of Lord Shiva placed inside. The imagery led to heated discussions, fueling the ongoing Taj Mahal controversy on social media.
Directed and written by Tushar Amrish Goel, The Taj Story also stars Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sneha Wagh, and Namit Das. The film was already in the news for its teaser, which featured a powerful courtroom drama. But the latest poster reveal brought the film into the spotlight for different reasons.
Soon after criticism spread online, Paresh Rawal shared a clarification through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In his statement, he stressed that the movie does not address religious claims. He added that the film does not suggest the Taj Mahal was originally a temple. Instead, he explained, The Taj Story is focused on historical facts and should be judged by audiences after its release.
The makers also issued a disclaimer, asking viewers not to misinterpret the poster. They emphasized that the film’s aim is to present a historical narrative, not to promote any religious theories. The now-deleted post unveiling the poster had read, “What if everything you’ve been taught is a lie? The truth isn’t just hidden; it’s being judged.”
The earlier teaser, released in August, hinted at intense themes. It showed Paresh Rawal’s character arguing in court about cultural erasure, suggesting that the movie is designed as a bold social commentary as well as a historical drama.
The Taj Story is scheduled to release in theatres on October 31, 2025. Music for the film has been composed by Rohit Sharma, with Vikas Radhesham as the creative producer.
With debates over monuments and heritage often stirring public emotion in India, the film’s poster has already drawn strong reactions. For now, the cast and crew are urging audiences to wait for the full story before forming conclusions.
For the full list of Tamil movies releasing in October 2025, check out this detailed guide.
