India, Oct. 30 -- The Delhi high court on Wednesday declined an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to stall the release of The Taj Story, a film starring Paresh Rawal that has triggered a storm over its portrayal of the Taj Mahal's origins.

The court's refusal came just two days before the movie's scheduled nationwide release on October 31.

The controversy first erupted last month when the film's poster - showing a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal's dome, was released online.

The poster carried a caption with it: "What if everything you've been taught is a lie? The truth isn't just hidden; it's being judged. Unveil the facts with #TheTajStory on 31st October in cinemas near you."

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