Shraddha Kapoor’s new film, ‘Eetha,’ is embroiled in an unexpected title controversy even before its release. The biopic, based on Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, faces backlash from her family and the NCP, who demand the film be named after the legendary artist to honor her legacy.
Key Points
Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming film 'Eetha' faces controversy over its title.
Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family and NCP demand the biopic be named after her.
They argue the title should reflect Vithabai's immense contribution to Lavani and Tamasha.
Director Laxman Utekar and Maddock Films have not yet responded to the objections.
‘Eetha’ Title Sparks Political & Family Outcry
Even before its release, Shraddha Kapoor ‘s Eetha has found itself at the centre of an unexpected controversy. The film’s teaser won praise for Shraddha’s powerful transformation into Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, but its title has sparked a debate. After the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned why the biopic was not named after Vithabai, the late artist’s family has now backed the demand, saying her name should be front and centre in a film that tells her story.
Babasaheb Patil, the Maharashtra State President of the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department, said the party considers it its responsibility to protect and honour Vithabai’s legacy. He also asked why the film was not named after the artist herself, given her immense contribution to Lavani and Tamasha.
He questioned why the makers had not named the film Vitha or Vithabai, saying the title should reflect the immense contribution Vithabai made to Lavani and Tamasha.
Vithabai’s Legacy: Why a Name Change Matters
For them, this isn’t simply about what the film is called. They feel a biopic on Vithabai should carry her name, giving due credit to the woman whose work helped shape Maharashtra’s rich Lavani and Tamasha tradition and ensuring her legacy is remembered the way it deserves to be.
So far, neither director Laxman Utekar nor Maddock Films has issued an official statement on the controversy.
Her contribution to Indian folk arts was recognised by the President of India in 1957 and again in 1990. But behind the applause and fame was a life filled with hardship. Despite being celebrated across the state, Vithabai is believed to have spent her final years battling financial difficulties. Her passion for the art form lived on through her family, with her daughters and sons-in-law also taking up Lavani and Tamasha.
Makers Silent Amidst Growing Controversy
The teaser then shifts to showcasing Eetha’s larger-than-life presence and the immense admiration she commands. As cheering crowds gather around her, she walks with quiet confidence, highlighting the impact she had on people through her art. The teaser closes with a powerful voiceover describing her as a “toofan”.
The biopic also features Randeep Hooda and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles. Backed by Maddock Films, Eetha is slated to hit theatres on August 28, 2026.
The ongoing silence from the filmmakers, Laxman Utekar and Maddock Films, leaves the resolution of this title dispute uncertain. The controversy highlights the crucial balance between creative freedom and respecting historical figures’ legacies, especially in biopics.
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