“The Taj Story,” starring actor Paresh Rawal, was released today, Friday. The movie centers on the question of whether the Taj Mahal is a tomb or Tejomahalaya. Only five people attended the first show at Vimal Cineplex in Agra, while Sarva Multiplex had a full house. While watching the film, the audience chanted “Har Har Mahadev!” In one scene, Paresh Rawal says, “If a tomb has a Kalash on it, it must have DNA.” The audience applauded loudly after hearing this dialogue. Meanwhile, Rajneesh Singh, spokesperson for the BJP unit in Ayodhya, filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court regarding the film. He alleged that the trailer depicts the Taj Mahal’s dome being lifted, and a figure of Lord Shiva emerges from within. Historical facts have been distorted in the film and the film could incite communal tension. However, the Delhi High Court refused to grant an immediate hearing on the PIL seeking a ban on “The Taj Story.” Said, “The petition will be heard as per the normal procedure, not immediately….” Follow the live blog for updates related to the movie release.
