The Taj Story Box Office: Paresh Rawal's Hit Drama
The Taj Story, featuring the talented Paresh Rawal, has made waves at the box office by crossing the ₹10 crore mark, despite experiencing a 7% dip in earnings on its sixth day. This courtroom drama, directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, delves into the controversial origins of the iconic Taj Mahal, igniting debates among audiences and critics alike.
The film follows a local guide, Vishnu Das, who becomes obsessed with the storied history of the Taj Mahal. It presents an alternative narrative that challenges the widely accepted view of the monument's Mughal origins, as claimed by historian Purushottam Nagesh Oak. Oak’s theory suggests that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple called Tejo Mahalaya, which has sparked significant controversy.
Despite its ambitious premise, critics have been divided on the film's approach. While some viewers appreciate the bold storytelling, others label it as propaganda that promotes divisive ideologies. The film draws comparisons to past controversial productions like The Kashmir Files, with critics cautioning that it might lead to societal divisions rather than fostering unity.
The Taj Story was released on October 31 and opened with earnings of ₹1 crore. Following its release, the film saw a significant increase in box office collections, doubling its initial earnings on the second day to ₹2 crore gross. By the end of its first week, it had amassed ₹9.99 crore net in India, with expectations to surpass the ₹10 crore milestone. The film registered an overall occupancy of 18.74% on Day 6, indicating a steady audience interest.
Produced by Suresh Jha under the banner of Swarnim Global Services, The Taj Story marks the first collaboration between Paresh Rawal and Brijendra Kala. It also reunites Rawal with Akhilendra Mishra after 14 years, which adds to the film's appeal. The ensemble cast includes notable actors like Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh.
As the film continues to unfold in theaters, it remains to be seen whether it can maintain its momentum and attract larger audiences amid the ongoing debates surrounding its narrative. The film's ability to balance entertainment with a sensitive historical topic could determine its lasting impact in the Indian cinema landscape.
