PIL filed against Paresh Rawal’s The Taj Story over controversial poster depicting Lord Shiva statue

A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking action against the soon-to-be-released film The Taj Story featuring actor Paresh Rawal. The film, scheduled for release on October 31, sparked heated debate following its poster, which depicts a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the iconic Taj Mahal dome-a visual that reignites the contentious theory alleging the monument’s Hindu temple origins. Advocate Shakeel Abbas, the petitioner, alleges that The Taj Story presents “fabricated and provocative content” about the origins of the Taj Mahal, contradicting established historical consensus and scholarly writings. The petition claims the film’s speculative assertions threaten to erode public faith in history, provoke communal unrest, and potentially damage the international reputation of the Taj Mahal, which is recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plea urges the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the certification granted to the movie and instruct required cuts if necessary to safeguard communal harmony across the country. Furthermore, the PIL requests that a clear disclaimer be added to the film, clarifying that it presents a contested narrative rather than established fact. According to the petition, the movie contains “deeply divisive scenes” that may incite communal tensions and disrupt public peace. The plea also mentions the amplification of controversial statements by political leaders and fringe groups, raising alarms over the potential for nationwide unrest. Also Read: Paresh Rawal REACTS to The Taj Story being called “propaganda”: “It focuses solely on historical facts”.

BREAKING: 1.51-minute-long Cocktail 2 song promo attached with Thamma

The Diwali biggie Thamma is all set to release tomorrow and the excitement is growing for it as the release date nears. Bollywood Hungama informed readers yesterday, that is, Sunday, October 20, that the teaser of Ikkis and the announcement promo of Shakti Shalini will be shown with the horror comedy. Bollywood Hungama has learned that there’s one more exciting asset attached to Thamma Cocktail 2. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “A song promo of Cocktail 2, titled ‘Jab Talak’, was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on October 16. Its run time is 111 seconds, that is, 1 minute and 51 seconds, and it has been passed with a U/A 16+ rating.”The trade source further said, “The theatres have been informed of the promos to be shown with Thamma and one of them is that of Cocktail 2; the other two being Ikkis and Shakti Shalini. Cocktail 2’s release is many months away, but it’s a big, vibrant film, as evident from the on-set pictures from Sicily, Italy. Also, with audiences expected to arrive in hordes for Thamma in cinemas, it can be a great time to present its first look.”Cocktail 2, like Thamma, is backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. While the first part starred Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone and launched Diana Penty, the second part features Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Both parts have been directed by Homi Adajania. Interestingly, Rashmika also stars in Thamma. The other lead actors in the film are Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. Thamma is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who directed the other significant film of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe Munjya (2024). Shakti Shalini also belongs to the same universe and hence, it is apt to have its promo with Thamma. Also Read: Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role.