The Taj Story controversy: Why Paresh Rawal's 'DNA test' dialogue, 22 rooms of Taj Mahal are under scanner? Explain

Actor Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film The Taj Story has created a controversy ever since the makers dropped the movie poster. Recently, the trailer of the film was released, which again sparked a debate on the Internet. What is The Taj Story Controversy About? Why is the Taj Story facing backlash? The Taj Story is written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goel. Starring Paresh Rawal, the film is a courtroom drama that focuses on the historical origins of the Taj Mahal. Paresh Rawal in The Taj Story In the film, Rawal essays the role of Vishnu Das, a Taj Mahal tour guide who becomes obsessed with the monument’s history and tries to find answers for which he files a lawsuit. His search leads him to believe that Taj Mahal may be a temple on which the tomb is built. He even suggests a DNA test to prove his claims. Besides Rawal, the film also stars an ensemble cast that includes Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das and Sneha Wagh in key roles. The Taj Story trailer While the trailer left netizens divided with various dialogues and demands. In one, Rawal’s character Vishnu Das says: DNA test karwalo (Get a DNA test done)!” “Taj is not a symbol of love. It’s a symbol of atrocity and genocide,” says his character in another scene. It also questions the 22 locked rooms inside the monument. Watch trailer here: Netizens react to The Taj Story trailer After the trailer release, netizens had mixed reactions to the upcoming film. A user wrote in the comments section of YouTube: “Indian cinema has become a joke these days.” “Based on WhatsApp University,” added another. Another said, “Babu bhaiya … aap kis line pe aa gye (where did you end up in life).” Someone also supported the film and wrote, “Histology is not propaganda. Those Arab rulers really destroyed so many Hindu temples.” “What a trailer,” added another. The Taj Story Controversy: Start The controversy surrounding The Taj Story started when the movie poster of the film was released. It featured Rawal uncovering the dome of the Taj Mahal and a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from within. The caption on the poster read: “What if everything you’ve been taught is a lie? The truth is not only hidden; it is judged.” The Taj Story accused of promoting Tejo Mahalaya theory The poster led many to accuse the makers of promoting the “Tejo Mahalaya” theory. Makers Respond to Allegations As this led to severe backlash on the Internet, the makers issued a statement claiming that the film does not “deal with the “religious issues of the film”. that the movie does not deal with any religious matters, nor does it claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal. It focuses only on historical facts. We would kindly request you to watch the film and form your own opinion,” reads the statement. Paresh Rawal and producers respond to allegations. When will The Taj Story release The Taj Story will release on Friday, October 31, on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. It is backed by CA Suresh Jha under the banner of P Swarnim Global Services Ltd.