The movie review of “The Taj Story” highlights Paresh Rawal’s role as Vishnu Das, a tourist guide from Agra. The film tackles the reinterpretation of Indian history by following Das as he petitions against the historical evidence supporting Shah Jahan’s construction of the Taj Mahal. He seeks clarification on how the monument’s narrative became part of school education and advocates for an excavation to explore what lies beneath the Taj Mahal’s marble surface.
The film by writer-director Tushar Amrish Goel, initially intended as a courtroom drama, evolves into a complex exploration of longstanding conspiracy theories surrounding the origins of the Taj Mahal. The script prominently features references to the 22 sealed rooms beneath the monument, which heightens existing suspicions about its history. In the film, Rawal’s character, Das, transitions from a disgraced guide to a compelling lawyer. He argues before a High Court that the Taj Mahal was originally a palace of a Hindu king, later seized by Shah Jahan and transformed into a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. Das posits that the “facts” have been overlooked in favor of a romanticized narrative about the monument.
Laden with nationalist rhetoric, the film emphasizes traditional Indian culture while characterizing the Mughals as brutal plunderers. A significant scene features Rawal arguing that the lack of public relations for Indian craftsmen has enabled Leftist historians to manipulate historical narratives, glorifying the Mughals. He labels these scholars as “agenda-dharis,” claiming that their version of history constitutes “intellectual terrorism” aimed at corrupting the youth.
Zakir Hussain, the opposing lawyer, presents evidence and summons a historian, educationist, and archaeologist at various points in the film. However, Das adeptly dismantles each of Hussain’s arguments, referencing ancient texts and reiterating several previously discredited theories. At one moment, Hussain humorously admonishes Das, suggesting he should be a tourist guide instead of attempting to be a comedian.
Despite the presence of Rawal’s sharp one-liners, the courtroom drama lacks authenticity and adherence to legal procedures. Rawal, who plays a significant role in generating drama, is well-supported by a talented ensemble cast featuring Hussain, Namit Das, Brijendra Kala, and Shishir Sharma.
