Is the film ‘The Taj Story’ distorting history?
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Synopsis
A PIL has been filed in Delhi High Court against the film ‘The Taj Story’, alleging it misrepresents history and threatens communal harmony. The petition demands a review of its certification by the CBFC, raising significant concerns about historical accuracy and the potential for societal discord.
Key Takeaways
- Public Interest Litigation filed against ‘The Taj Story’.
- Concerns over historical accuracy and communal harmony.
- Demands for CBFC to review film certification.
- Potential impact on public understanding of history.
- Film scheduled for release on October 31.
New Delhi, Oct 29 (NationPress) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been initiated in the Delhi High Court against the forthcoming film The Taj Story, claiming that the film misrepresents historical facts and could disrupt communal harmony. The petition, lodged by advocate Shakeel Abbas, requests the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to reassess the certification granted to the film.
Abbas, in his plea, asserted that the film delivers misleading and altered information regarding the Taj Mahal, one of India's most revered monuments, and advances a biased political viewpoint. The petition has included the film’s producers, director, writer, and actor, Paresh Rawal, as parties to the case, along with the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC.
The PIL contends that “the film intentionally distorts historical facts for political agendas,” cautioning that its release could incite communal tensions. The petitioner further alleged that the production house and creative team have a history of generating politically charged and contentious films, pointing to titles like 'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Bengal Files'.
The petition notes that the trailer for 'The Taj Story' was unveiled on October 16, 2025, with a nationwide release slated for October 31. It claims that despite evident signs of factual distortion and incendiary content, the CBFC has neglected its responsibilities by permitting the trailer’s release without thorough examination.
The PIL urges the Delhi High Court to instruct the CBFC to reevaluate the film’s certification, implement a robust disclaimer, and consider the elimination of objectionable scenes or the application of an ‘Adults Only’ rating to avert the misuse of historical narratives.
The plea emphasizes that permitting such films without sufficient validation can erode India's secular foundation and skew public comprehension of historical realities.
The Delhi High Court is anticipated to address the matter for hearing shortly.
Point of View
The emerging controversy surrounding ‘The Taj Story’ epitomizes the delicate balance between artistic expression and historical accuracy. It is crucial for filmmakers to approach sensitive topics with integrity to maintain societal cohesion. Nation stands firm on the importance of responsible storytelling.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern regarding ‘The Taj Story’?
The primary concern is that the film distorts historical facts, potentially disrupting communal harmony.
Who filed the PIL against the film?
The PIL was filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas.
What actions does the PIL request from the CBFC?
The PIL requests the CBFC to re-evaluate the film's certification and consider adding a disclaimer or imposing an 'Adults Only' rating.
When is ‘The Taj Story’ scheduled for release?
The film is set to be released nationwide on October 31.
What historical monument is central to the film's narrative?
The film centers around the Taj Mahal, one of India's most iconic monuments.
