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Taj Mahal

Name: Taj Mahal
Director: Nicolas Saada
Released: 2015
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

2015

Director

Nicolas Saada

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Taj Mahal is a high-stakes survival thriller that gains strength from its non-Western setting rather than diverse character representation. By placing the crisis in an Indian city, the film breaks away from the usual Western urban narrative and avoids the 'Western savior' cliché. However, the film lacks depth in representing different aspects of identity. It does not include LGBTQ+ identities or individuals with disabilities, focusing narrowly on a single survival arc. Ultimately, the film's value lies in its geopolitical context, even as it leans on traditional gendered clichés of vulnerability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Taj Mahal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. The story centers on the protagonist's survival and her relationship with her father.

How does Taj Mahal portray gender?

Fair

Louise is a key female character who uses technology to take control of her situation. However, the story relies on traditional gender power dynamics and her vulnerability to masculine violence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Taj Mahal?

Good

The film sets its crisis in Mumbai, shifting the focus away from Western cities. This avoids the typical Western-centric narrative clichés.

How does Taj Mahal represent religion and culture?

Good

The story examines the weaknesses of modern institutions by showing a luxury hotel under attack. It questions the effectiveness of traditional security measures during global crises.

Does Taj Mahal include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters dealing with visible or invisible disabilities. There is no mention of neurodivergence or chronic illnesses in the character arcs.

Present on Screen

The film provides a non-Western backdrop that challenges traditional cinematic settings.
It disrupts the expectation of institutional stability by focusing on a localized crisis.
The protagonist uses technology to navigate the crisis, demonstrating modern ability to act.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight narratives.
There is no inclusion of characters dealing with disabilities or neurodivergence.
The plot relies on traditional gendered power dynamics and the 'damsel in distress' archetype.

Official Synopsis

One evening, while her parents go out for dinner, 18-year-old Louise, alone in her hotel room at Taj Mahal Mumbai, hears strange noises out in the corridor. Within minutes, she realises that a terrorist attack is underway. Her only connection to the outside world is her cell phone, which allows her to maintain contact with her father, who is desperately trying to reach her from the other side of a city that has been plunged into chaos. Louise must spend a long night alone in the face of danger. She will never be the same again.

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