What is the story about?
Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha landed in trouble even before its theatrical release. The Laxman Utekar directorial, based on legendary Lavani and Tamasha artiste
Vithabai Narayangaonkar, faced controversy over its title. She was one of Maharashtra's most revered folk performers. According to media reports, Vithabai's family and the Nationalist Congress Party demanded a title change and requested the makers to keep the legendary performer's name in the title. Now, in an exclusive interview with Zoom, Eetha actor Anant has reacted to the title row. Here's what he said.
Anant Joshi on Eetha title row
Speaking to us, Anant revealed why the makers initially didn't use Vithabai Narayangaonkar's name in the title. "Right now, because of the times we are in, I think filmmakers like Maddock and Laxman sir, we were only trying to protect ourselves from any conflict that happens if you're going to use real names and real people. So, I think the purpose earlier was just to dodge conflicts," he told Zoom.
For the unversed, Vithabai's grandson, Mohit Narayangaonkar, as reported by NDTV, said that the family doesn't have an objection to the film. "Our only request is that instead of Eetha, the title should be Vitha Narayangaonkar or Vithabai Narayangaonkar," he said.
Since the legendary performer's family is fine with the real name being used, Anant feels it will work in the movie's favour. "But in this case, it only does well and in favour of the movie if the family feels super comfortable giving this the name of the real person. It actually makes the movie sound more credible that the family and anybody don't have any objection to taking a real person's name. And outrightly, the makers have always given credit to whose story this is," Anant mentioned.
Anant Joshi on his character in Eetha
Continuing the chat, we asked Anant about his character and how it brings about a change in the film's storyline. To which the actor revealed, "The reason that it interested me was that it was a character which was very important to the film and to the arc of Eetha's story with a twist that I had never got to play." The actor added that he has always played the sweet boy-next-door and relatable guy. However, Laxman Utekar thought of giving him this character. And now, Anant is excited to see how his role is going to pan out in Eetha.
The movie, backed by Maddock Films, is set for a big-screen release on August 28.
