Menbud Film "Taj Mahal" is More than Entertainment: History, Palace Intrigue, to Cultural Diplomacy

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon attended the premiere of Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story at Cinema XXI Plaza Senayan, Friday, February 13. This screening is part of the global launch of the colossal film set in the Mughal Empire.

The film tells the story of Prince Khurram - who would later be known as Shah Jahan - and Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), with a backdrop of political intrigue, power struggles, and palace conflicts. The story culminates in the birth of the Taj Mahal as a monument known to the world.

Fadli menilai film ini tak sekadar mengandalkan visual, tetapi membawa narasi sejarah dan pesan kemanusiaan.

"Taj Mahal is a work that starts from the true story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal's love, which later gave birth to an extraordinary cultural expression in the form of the Taj Mahal monument," said Fadli.

He said that although he had visited the Taj Mahal twice and studied its history, the film gave a broader perspective on the Mughal period. "By watching this film, we are invited to delve into a longer history, ranging from political intrigue, palace conflicts, to the love story of Prince Khurram...", he said. Fadli also alluded to the technical strength and scale of the film's production which was "colossal".

Director and producer Akbar Khan appreciated the presence of the Minister of Education. He said that this film carries a relevant message in the midst of a challenging world situation, while opening up a space for cultural dialogue. "Art and culture are universal languages...," said Akbar.

In the event, Fadli was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Culture, including the Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T. D. Retnoastuti; Director General of Development, Utilization, and Cultural Development Ahmad Mahendra; and Director of Cultural Promotion Undri.