The film stars his son, Manoj, and Riya Sen in their debut as lead actors, with a supporting ensemble cast including Revathi, Radhika, and Ranjitha.

[6] The team started pre-production work in late 1997 and shooting began in 1998, with the project becoming Janani Cine Arts' most expensive production to date.

[8] An exact replica of the Taj Mahal was created on Marina Beach in Chennai for a song sequence.

[15] Irrespective of the film's performance, in 2004 Riya Sen regarded Taj Mahal as showcasing the best role in her career to that point.

[18] G. Ulaganathan of The New Indian Express said that Taj Mahal was "vintage Bharatiraja at his best", while also adding that Riya Sen "shines in spite of an alien language and the totally strange cultural milieu in which she is placed".

Ulaganathan added that "song picturisation is brilliant and Revathy and Radhika, both favourite ex-heroines of the director, put up an impressive show."

He also said the "only eyesore is hero Manoj" and that Bharathiraja "has been a little over-ambitious here and could have edited at least 20% of the film, including many unnecessary action scenes.

[21] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu lauded Kannan's cinematography, Bharathiraja's screenplay and Rahman's music but criticised the story for lacking novelty.