Even earlier than hitting theatres, actor Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming movie Eetha has landed in controversy over its title. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the biopic traces the lifetime of legendary lavani and tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, considered one of Maharashtra’s most revered folks performers.
Whereas the teaser has been praised for Shraddha’s putting transformation, the movie’s title has come below scrutiny. Each the Nationalist Congress Occasion (NCP) and members of Vithabai’s household have objected to it, triggering a debate even earlier than the movie’s launch.
So, why has the title sparked controversy? Here is a have a look at what the controversy is about.
The Maharashtra unit of the NCP’s Movie and Cultural Division has formally requested the makers to alter the title of the movie from Eetha to both Vitha or Vithabai.
In keeping with the get together, Vithabai Narayangaonkar was a nationally recognised artiste and a recipient of prestigious honours. They argued {that a} movie primarily based on her life ought to carry her precise identify in order that future generations can determine and keep in mind her contribution to Maharashtra’s folks tradition.
The get together has careworn that it isn’t opposing the movie itself. As a substitute, it desires the title to mirror the id of the girl whose story is being informed.
Why is the identify Eetha being questioned?
These objecting to the title acknowledge that Vithabai was affectionately known as “Eetha” by some folks in rural Maharashtra. Nevertheless, they identified that she was publicly identified all through her profession as Vithabai Narayangaonkar.
NCP leaders worry that utilizing Eetha because the title might overshadow her actual identify and create confusion amongst audiences unfamiliar together with her legacy.
Chatting with India Right this moment, Suhas Suryavanshi, Mumbai President (Tradition) of the NCP’s Sharad Pawar faction, mentioned Vithabai deserves to be recognised by the identify by way of which she turned a cultural icon.
“She is taken into account the Lavani Samratni of Maharashtra. She must be given the dignity she deserves. The movie must be named after her,” he mentioned.
Here is the trailer of Eetha:
What does Vithabai’s household need?
Curiously, Vithabai’s household has taken the same place.
Her grandson, Mohit Narayangaonkar, who owns the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Tamasha Mandal, has clarified that the household isn’t towards the movie and welcomes a biopic on the legendary performer. Their solely concern is that Vithabai’s identify must be mirrored within the title.
In keeping with Mohit, whereas relations and a few folks from rural Maharashtra often referred to her as “Vitha” or “Eetha”, she was identified to the broader public as Vithabai Narayangaonkar.
The household believes utilizing her full identify could be a extra becoming tribute to her life and achievements.
Aside from the title, some considerations have additionally been raised about how Vithabai’s story shall be portrayed on display.
NCP representatives have mentioned that Vithabai is a vital cultural determine for Maharashtra and that the filmmakers ought to guarantee her legacy is dealt with with sensitivity and respect.
The get together has additionally steered that the makers organise a particular screening for members of Vithabai’s household and folks related to Maharashtra’s folks arts earlier than the movie’s launch.
There are additionally claims that the filmmakers didn’t maintain detailed discussions with the household earlier than starting the undertaking, though the household has not opposed the movie’s manufacturing.
Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar is remembered as one of many most interesting lavani and tamasha artistes Maharashtra has produced. Sometimes called the Tamasha Samratni, she performed a pivotal function in popularising the state’s conventional folks artwork kinds and stays a permanent determine in Marathi cultural historical past.
Identified for her commanding stage presence and unwavering dedication to her craft, Vithabai’s life has impressed generations of performers.One of the vital broadly shared tales about her is that she returned to the stage quickly after giving start, a second typically remembered as a testomony to her unwavering dedication to her craft.
As of now, neither director Laxman Utekar nor producers Maddock Movies has publicly responded to the NCP’s request or the household’s demand to alter the title.
With the movie slated to launch on August 28, 2026, it stays to be seen whether or not the makers will retain the title Eetha or rename the biopic following the objections.
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