“TAJ – Divided By Blood” is a 2023 Indian film directed by Rajiv Nath that explores the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition and the impact it had on a family of mixed Hindu-Muslim heritage. Naseeruddin Shah plays the role of Emperor Akbar, and his performance is one of the highlights of the film.
Inspired by true events, ‘Taj – Divided by Blood’ chronicles around King Akbar (played by Naseeruddin Shah) and the ensuing blood battle between his sons for the Mughal throne. The 10-part succession and family drama series will stream on ZEE5 from March 3, 2023.
Produced by Contiloe Digital along with William Borthwick as the showrunner. Helmed by Ron Scalpello, ‘Taj – Divided by Blood’ stars Naseeruddin Shah as King Akbar, Aditi Rao Hydari as Anarkali, Aashim Gulati as Prince Salim, Taha Shah Badussha as Prince Murad, Shubham Kumar Mehra as Prince Daniyal, Sandhya Mridul as Queen Jodha Bai, Zareena Wahab as Queen Salima, Padma Damodaran as Queen Ruqaiya Begum, Rahul Bose as Mirza Hakim and Dharmendra as Sheikh Salim Chishti.
As seen in the trailer, the series encapsulates the reign of King Akbar who is on a quest to find a worthy successor for his grand legacy leading to a blood battle between his sons for the throne. While most stories on the Mughal era have been portrayed through the rose-tinted glasses of romance, Taj – Divided by Blood will showcase these historical figures as humans with ambitions, desires and flaws.
Shah’s portrayal of Akbar is nuanced and layered, showcasing the emperor’s compassion, wisdom, and leadership skills. His scenes with the young protagonist, who is struggling with his identity and the violence around him, are particularly poignant, as Shah’s character becomes a beacon of hope and reason in a world torn apart by religious strife.
The film’s narrative weaves together historical events with the present-day reality of communal tension, highlighting the ongoing struggle for communal harmony in India. Shah’s performance is a shining example of how cinema can be used to provoke thought and promote social change.
The film’s supporting cast, including Rahul Bose and Shabana Azmi, are also impressive, bringing their A-game to their respective roles. The film’s cinematography, music, and editing are top-notch, adding to the overall impact of the film.
“TAJ – Divided By Blood” is a must-watch film that tackles the sensitive issue of communal tension in India with sensitivity and nuance. The film’s narrative, which weaves together historical events with present-day reality, is a compelling commentary on the ongoing struggle for communal harmony in the country.
Naseeruddin Shah’s portrayal of Emperor Akbar is one of the highlights of the film, as he brings to life one of the most significant historical figures of the Mughal era with depth and authenticity. His scenes with the young protagonist, played by Yash Dholye, are heartwarming and inspiring, as Shah’s character becomes a beacon of hope and reason in a world torn apart by religious strife.
The film’s supporting cast, including Rahul Bose and Shabana Azmi, are also impressive, bringing their A-game to their respective roles. The film’s cinematography, music, and editing are top-notch, adding to the overall impact of the film.
“TAJ – Divided By Blood” is a must-watch film that tackles the sensitive issue of communal tension in India with sensitivity and nuance. Naseeruddin Shah’s performance as Emperor Akbar steals the show, as he brings to life one of the most significant historical figures of the Mughal era with depth and authenticity. The film is a compelling commentary on the ongoing struggle for communal harmony in India and is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian history and cinema.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
