Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming film Eetha has run into a title-related dispute before its theatrical release. The film, which features Kapoor as legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, is facing objections from the Nationalist Congress Party’s Film and Cultural Department and from members of Narayangaonkar’s family.
The issue began after the teaser of Eetha was released. The teaser drew attention for Kapoor’s physical and emotional transformation into the folk artist. However, the name of the film has now become the main point of criticism for those who believe a biographical drama on Vithabai Narayangaonkar should carry her name.
Why the title is being questioned
According to a TV9 Marathi report cited by Bollywood Hungama, the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department has objected to the title Eetha. The department has argued that a film based on Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s life should be named after her, given her contribution to Maharashtra’s Lavani and Tamasha traditions.
The organisation has suggested that titles such as Vitha or Vithabai would be more suitable. Its objection is not to the subject of the film, but to the decision to use a title that does not directly identify the artist whose life is being portrayed.
Babasaheb Patil, Maharashtra State President of the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department, has reportedly said that the organisation sees it as a responsibility to preserve and honour Vithabai’s legacy. He has questioned why the makers chose a different title for a film centred on the celebrated performer.
Family members also seek a change
The demand for a title change has also been supported by members of Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family. As per the same report, her sons Kailash Narayangaonkar and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, have expressed disappointment over the name Eetha.
The family has appealed to the makers to reconsider the title and rename the film in her honour. Their concern is that a biopic about Vithabai’s life and achievements should help future generations remember her by name. They believe the film’s title is an important part of that recognition.
Vithabai Narayangaonkar is remembered as a major figure in Maharashtra’s folk performance traditions, especially Lavani and Tamasha. The objections raised by the NCP department and her family focus on the view that her name should remain central to any screen portrayal of her life.
Makers have not responded yet
As of now, director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films have not issued any public statement on the demand to rename Eetha. There is also no confirmation from the makers about whether they are considering a change.
The controversy comes at a time when the film’s first glimpse has already created discussion around Shraddha Kapoor’s role. The teaser presents the character as a performer deeply committed to the stage even in extreme personal pain.
What the teaser shows
The teaser opens with a packed Lavani performance, where the audience is shown calling for Eetha to appear. Backstage, Kapoor’s character prepares to perform while heavily pregnant. Soon, she goes into labour and is shown struggling through intense pain.
A voice in the teaser warns her that performing could risk her life. Despite that, she does not walk away from the stage. After giving birth, she returns to complete the performance, presenting a dramatic moment built around the character’s devotion to her art.
The makers have so far kept the focus on the film’s emotional and performance-based elements. With the title dispute now public, attention has shifted to whether the film will continue to be called Eetha or whether the producers will respond to the objections raised by the NCP film wing and the Narayangaonkar family.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.
