Weeks before its theatrical release, Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming biographical drama Eetha has found itself at the centre of a growing controversy. The film, inspired by the life of legendary Marathi folk artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, is facing objections over its title from leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and members of Vithabai’s family. They believe a film celebrating such an iconic cultural figure should carry her full name instead of a title that, according to them, doesn’t clearly identify her legacy.
The controversy has sparked fresh debate about how biographical films should honour the personalities they portray. While the makers have promoted Eetha as a tribute to one of Maharashtra’s greatest performers, critics argue that the title alone fails to give Vithabai the recognition she deserves.
NCP Wants Vithabai’s Name Added to the Film’s Title
Speaking to India Today, Suhas Suryavanshi, Mumbai President (Culture) of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), said the party supports bringing Vithabai’s remarkable life story to the big screen but believes the title should directly acknowledge her contribution to Marathi folk art.
“She is considered the Lavani Samratni of Maharashtra. She was an outstanding performer in Marathi Tamasha or the Marathi folk industry. They have to take care of the dignity of this great artist, and that is why we are talking [about changing the title]. She should be given the dignity that she deserves. The film should be named after her.”
Suryavanshi also recalled one of the most celebrated incidents from Vithabai’s career to underline her extraordinary dedication to performing arts. According to him, the late artiste remained committed to entertaining audiences even during one of the most challenging moments of her life.
“He entertained with her special attitude, approach, devotion, dedication towards the folk at such a level that even when she was pregnant with her baby, she performed. She was not compelled or forced, but she thought that it was my duty and I have to perform. She went into labour, gave birth to her child and then immediately, within a fraction of a minute, she came back on stage and completed her act.”
The NCP leader further questioned why the film avoids directly using Vithabai’s name despite being based on her life. He argued that “Vitha” is closely connected to her identity and roots in Pandharpur, making it all the more important for the title to properly represent her legacy.
Family Seeks Preview Before Film’s Release
Apart from demanding a title change, Suryavanshi has also raised concerns about whether the film may include fictionalised scenes that differ from Vithabai’s real-life story. To avoid any possible misrepresentation, he urged the filmmakers to organise a special screening for Vithabai’s family and people closely associated with her life before the film reaches cinemas.
“She is the pride of Marathi people, so it will be only justified for the filmmakers if they arrange a show for us and the family. Only then should they proceed with the release.”
The makers of Eetha have not yet issued an official response to the demands or commented publicly on the controversy surrounding the film’s title. It also remains unclear whether any changes will be made before release.
Directed as a biographical drama, Eetha stars Shraddha Kapoor in the role of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated Lavani and Tamasha performers. The project has generated considerable interest since its announcement, with audiences eager to see Shraddha portray the legendary artiste on screen.
Vithabai is widely regarded as one of the greatest names in Marathi folk theatre, with her performances helping popularise Lavani and Tamasha across generations. Her contribution to Maharashtra’s cultural heritage continues to be remembered decades after her passing, making the ongoing debate over the film’s title especially significant for many admirers of her work.
Despite the latest controversy, Eetha is currently scheduled to release in theatres on August 28, 2026. Whether the filmmakers decide to reconsider the title or move forward without changes remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
