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Paresh Rawal’s The Taj Story opened to a modest Rs 1.04 crore despite massive buzz and controversy over its take on the Taj Mahal’s “hidden history.” Will its intrigue spark momentum or fade amid mixed reviews?
The Taj Story Box Office Day 1 collection.
Mumbai: Paresh Rawal’s much-awaited film The Taj Story finally hit the big screens on October 31, 2025. Directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, the film explores the long-debated mystery surrounding the 22 sealed rooms of the Taj Mahal, questioning aspects of the monument’s historical narrative.
While the film’s bold theme drew curiosity, it also sparked intense debate and legal challenges before its release.
According to early estimates by Sacnilk, The Taj Story collected Rs 1.04 crore on its opening day.
The film’s start is modest, especially considering the pre-release buzz and controversy surrounding it. Despite Paresh Rawal’s strong screen presence and an ensemble cast including Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh, the movie saw a slow turnout in major cities.
Industry analysts suggest that the mixed public sentiment curiosity among some and scepticism among others impacted the film’s opening. The coming weekend will be crucial in determining whether word-of-mouth can boost its performance.
The Taj Story found itself in legal trouble just days before hitting theatres. Two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed, demanding a ban and re-evaluation of the film’s certification. The petitioners claimed that the movie distorted historical facts and could potentially create social unrest.
However, the film’s team remained steadfast. Both Paresh Rawal and co-star Zakir Hussain defended the film, clarifying that it was the result of detailed research rather than an attempt to incite communal tension. The director, Tushar Amrish Goel, also maintained that the film seeks to explore history through artistic interpretation, not controversy.
Speaking to NDTV, Paresh Rawal praised Goel’s dedication and rigorous research. “Tushar came with amazing research,” Rawal said. “There’s nothing controversial or provocative about it. His sources were clearly mentioned, and I even cross-checked with experts. From day one, our intent was never to create a Hindu-Muslim divide.”
He further added that the film consciously avoids sensationalism. “There’s even a dialogue where a character says, ‘It’s you journalists who make everything about Hindu and Muslim. This story is about shared history,’” he noted.
While audiences continue to debate its theme, critics have offered mixed reactions. The TOI rated The Taj Story 2.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “an ambitious attempt that loses steam halfway.”
The review highlighted that while the film’s first half builds intrigue with courtroom drama and historical claims, the second half becomes repetitive and drags with lengthy arguments. Despite its strong premise, the execution reportedly falters as it circles the same debates without offering fresh insights.
The Taj Story may not have had a record-breaking start, but its controversial premise ensures that discussions around it won’t fade soon. With curiosity and criticism walking hand in hand, the coming days will reveal whether the film can turn intrigue into sustained box office momentum.
