Release Date: October 31, 2025 (Theatrical) | Expected January 2026 (OTT on Zee5)
Cast: Paresh Rawal (as Vishnu Das), Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das (as Avinash), Sneha Wagh, with supporting roles by Sachin Khedekar, Anant Mahadevan, and others
Director: Tushar Amrish Goel
Genre: Drama, Courtroom Thriller, Propaganda
Languages: Hindi (original), with English subtitles potentially available on OTT
Plot Overview: Set against the backdrop of India's iconic Taj Mahal, the film follows Vishnu Das (Paresh Rawal), a seasoned tour guide in Agra, who questions the monument's official history as a Mughal mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal. Driven by curiosity and a quest for "truth," he files a court case claiming it's originally a Hindu temple (Tejo Mahalaya) repurposed by invaders. The narrative unfolds as a courtroom drama blending historical revisionism, family struggles, and political intrigue, drawing on debunked theories popular in certain nationalist circles to challenge established narratives.
Review: The Taj Story dives headfirst into controversial territory, pushing a Hindutva-aligned revisionist take on history that historians widely dismiss as pseudohistory, but which resonates with audiences seeking nationalist validation. Paresh Rawal anchors the film with a committed performance as the earnest guide-turned-crusader, though the supporting cast feels underutilized in a script heavy on monologues and one-sided arguments. Director Tushar Amrish Goel crafts a lengthy 165-minute affair with polished visuals and dramatic courtroom flair, but it often veers into propaganda territory, portraying opponents as caricatures and facts as malleable—earning accusations of gaslighting and saffron-tinted victimhood. Box office-wise, it grossed around $20 million worldwide amid buzz, but critics slam it as regressive and poorly paced (4.7/10 on IMDb, low on Rotten Tomatoes). Spoiler-free: The twists hinge on "hidden evidence," but the execution prioritizes agenda over nuance. Overall, 2/5 – compelling for those aligned with its ideology, but a frustrating watch for history buffs or neutral viewers.
OTT Update: As of early January 2026, The Taj Story hasn't officially hit OTT platforms yet, but industry buzz points to a imminent debut on Zee5 following its theatrical run. Keep an eye out for announcements—it's primed for streaming debates if you're into provocative historical dramas!
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