Just two months before Eetha makes its way to the big screens, the movie has been hit with a shocking blow.
On Sunday, June 28, Hindustan Times reported that Shraddha Kapoor starrer got embroiled in a major controversy after Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family raised a huge objection.
The title of the film, based on the life of Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar, sparked a debate after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned why the upcoming biopic was titled Eetha instead of being named after the late artist herself.
Adding more to it, Vithabai’s family also backed NCP’s demand, objecting that the artist’s name should be front and center in a film that tells her story.
Why is Eetha title facing criticism?
Citing TV9 Marathi report, the outlet shared that the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department raised objections over the title of Shraddha Kapoor-led Eetha, arguing that a film based on the life of Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar should have been named after her, such as Vitha or Vithabai, to give the late artist her due recognition and properly honor her legacy.
The organization’s Maharashtra State President, Babasaheb Patil, noted that NCP wants to protect and respect of Vithabai’s contribution to Lavani and Tamasha, questioning the makers’ choice of title.
Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family backs NCP’s demand
The NCP’s objection later gained support from Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family, who also demanded a title change for the biopic.
Vithabai’s sons, Kailash and Rajesh Narayangaokar, and grandson, Mohit Narayangaonkar, told the makers to reconsider their decision.
However, Eetha’s director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films have yet not commented on the matter.
Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
Known as the “Tamasha Samradini” (Queen of Tamasha), Vithabai Narayangaonkar was a Marathi folk artist who dedicated her life to Lavani and Tamasha despite social challenges.
The artist’s devotion to her craft was legendary, with a famous incident showing her performing on stage even after delivering her baby backstage.
Eetha explores Narayangaonkar’s five-decade journey, highlighting her struggles, passion, and contribution to preserving folk heritage.
Eetha trailer
Release on June 23, the film’s 2 minutes and 18 seconds teaser begins with an audience eagerly demanding a performance from a dancer named Eetha.
However, instead of a usual heroic introduction, Shraddha Kapoor’s entry comes with an unexpected twist that instantly catches attention.
The preview shows Eetha getting ready for her performance despite being heavily pregnant before ending up going into labour before the show.
However, despite facing extreme pain, she refuses to give up and returns to the stage shortly after giving birth, determined to continue her performance.
The trailer then highlights Eetha’s powerful personality and the love she received from the audience, showing huge crowds cheering for her and celebrate her influence as an artist.
Eetha cast
Shraddha Kapoor-led Eetha also stars Randeep Hooda, Nana Patekar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Siddharth Jadhav in the ensemble cast.
Eetha release date
Eetha is scheduled to hit the big screens on August 28, 2026.
