‘Eetha’ title controversy: Why does Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family want the Shraddha Kapoor starrer to be renamed ‘Vithabai’? | Hindi Movie News

Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming film Eetha, based on the life of legendary Tamasha dancer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has landed in controversy due to its title. The Department of Cinema and Culture of the NCP, with the support of Vithabai’s own family, considers the title inappropriate. Meanwhile, the manufacturers are yet to respond to the objection.

‘Eetha’ is an upcoming film starring Shraddha Kapoorbased on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a renowned Tamasha dancer from Pandharpur who popularized the folk art of Maharashtra worldwide. The film is directed by the director Laxman Utekar. Before the teaser was released online, it was first played in theaters for the audience. The teaser showed a very special and emotional moment in Vithabai’s life – the birth of her baby. People loved watching Shraddha transform into a lavani dancer and her performance impressed many. The movie is likely to earn big at the box office. At the same time, the title of the film has become a subject of debate and controversy.

Why has the NCP opposed the title ‘Eetha’?

According to TV9 Marathi, the Department of Film and Culture of the NCP has expressed concern over the title of the film. Party members feel that the title ‘Eetha’ does not truly honor the legacy and greatness of Vithabai Narayangaonkar. They questioned why the makers didn’t just name the film ‘Vitha’ or ‘Vithabai’ which they feel would have been more appropriate. The department strongly supported this demand, noting that Vithabai was not just an ordinary folk artist but someone who carried forward the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, including its art forms and Tamasha tradition. The members felt that the current title ‘Eetha’ does not have the weight and impact that a film on such a legendary personality deserves.

Why Vithabai’s family and PCN are together against ‘Eetha’?

The report further reveals that Vithabai’s family has thrown its weight behind the Film and Culture Department of the NCP. their children Kailash Narayangaonkar and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with his grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, have expressed their full support for the party’s demand. NCP Maharashtra State President Babasaheb Patil emphasized that it is his personal and the party’s responsibility to ensure that Vithabai’s life and legacy is portrayed on screen with the highest level of respect, dignity and grace. Despite all the noise surrounding the controversy, the makers of the film Maddock Films and director Laxman Utekar have remained completely silent and are yet to issue any statement or reply on the objections raised about the film’s title.

What powerful moment does ‘Eetha’ teaser show?

The teaser of ‘Eetha’ offers a glimpse of one of the most powerful and moving moments in Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s life. Shraddha gets into the character effortlessly from the very first frame. The teaser shows her in the last stages of her pregnancy, but she continues to perform on stage without a doubt. During one of her performances, she realizes that the time has come for the arrival of her baby. However, instead of abruptly stopping the show, she calmly walks backstage and gives birth to her son. In a stunning moment, Vithabai cuts the umbilical cord with a stone and returns straight to the stage to continue her performance, leaving everyone present completely speechless. The audience is moved by his incredible dedication and bravery and showered with praise. According to historical accounts, after the delivery, the show was immediately stopped so that Vithabai could rest and recuperate.

When is ‘Eetha’ releasing and who are the other cast members?

To make the film look and feel real, the makers shot it in many different locations like Madh Island in Mumbai, Solapur, Aundhewadi, Satara, Nashik and Bhor. Apart from Shraddha, the film also has it Randeep Hooda and Mohammad Zeesha Ayyub playing important roles. ‘Eetha’ will release in theaters on August 28.