Paresh Rawal’s much-discussed film The Taj Story had a modest start at the box office. Despite facing court petitions and heated debates before release, the historical drama managed to earn 1.04 crore on its opening day, according to early industry estimates.
Slow but steady opening
Released on October 31, the film drew attention for its controversial take on the Taj Mahal’s origins. On Day 1, it registered a 14.75% occupancy across Hindi screens. Early trends for Day 2 indicate a steady run, with an additional 0.19 crore expected.
The film faces strong competition from Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma, Harshvardhan Rane’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, and Shah Rukh Khan’s re-released classic, which hit theatres the same day as part of his birthday week celebrations.
Plot and controversy
The Taj Story explores the debated history of the Taj Mahal — questioning whether it’s a temple or a tomb — and dives into centuries-old mysteries surrounding the monument.
Before its release, the film was briefly banned following concerns about communal harmony. However, the Delhi High Court later dismissed the PILs, allowing its theatrical release. The controversy deepened after the official poster showed a Shiva idol emerging from the Taj Mahal’s dome, sparking online debate.
Cast
The film stars Paresh Rawal in the lead role, alongside Anant Saraswat, Zakir Hussain, and Amruta Khanvilkar. The ensemble also features Shrikant Verma, Brijendra Kala, Akhilendra Mishra, Namit Das, and Shishir Sharma.