New Delhi: After Eetha‘s first teaser was released, the film courted controversy over its title. Starring Shraddha Kapoor, the film narrates the story
of legendary lavani and tamasha artiste, Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. However, the issue has been resolved now, according to Vithabai’s family.
Now, the grandson of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, Mohit Vithabai Narayangaonkar, who owns the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Tamasha Mandal, spoke exclusively to News9 Digital to open up about the controversy and how the makers cleared their doubts regarding the title of the film.
What did Vithabai family say?
The concern was regarding whether the title accurately represented the language and expressions used by people in rural Maharashtra.
Mohit Vithabai Narayangaonkar explained that the question arose because villagers often use local pronunciations while referring to certain names and words. However, after discussions with the makers, it became clear that the title reflected the authentic rural way of speaking and had a cultural connection.
Mohit said the clarification removed all doubts and appreciated the way the film captured the essence of village life. After watching the film, he felt that the makers had genuinely understood Marathi culture and that audiences would connect strongly with the story.
With the film’s team preparing to visit Narayangaon ahead of its release, there is growing excitement among local audiences. Mohit believes the film’s honest portrayal of rural emotions and traditions will strike a chord with viewers.
What was the controversy all about?
Vithabai’s family and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) objected to the title of the film. The Maharastra unit of the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department formally requested the makers to change the title of the film from Eetha to either Vitha or Vithabai.
According to NCP, Vithabai was a nationally recognised artiste and a recipient of prestigious honours. They argued that the film based on her life should carry her actual name so that future generations can identify and remember her contribution to Maharashtra’s folk culture.
However, people objecting to the title also acknowledged that Vithabai was affectionately called ‘Eetha’ by some people in rural Maharashtra, but they also pointed out that she was publicly known as Vithabai Narayangaonkar throughout her career.
NCP leaders also feel that Eetha could create confusion among audiences and could overshadow her real name.
Meanwhile, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 28, 2026.
