The recently released teaser of Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming period drama Eetha created a strong buzz online, with many praising the actor's striking transformation into a role unlike any she has played before.
However, the excitement surrounding the film was soon overshadowed by controversy.
Inspired by the life of legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the film has drawn objections from the late artist's family over its title. They questioned why Vithabai's name had been left out and urged the makers to rename the film, arguing that the celebrated folk icon deserves to be acknowledged directly in the title.
© Maddock Films
Are Eetha Makers Trying To Save Themselves?
Anant Joshi, who plays a key role in the film, has shared the reasoning behind the makers' decision to avoid using Vithabai Narayangaonkar's name in the title. Speaking to Zoom, the 12th Fail actor explained that director Laxman Utekar and producer Dinesh Vijan were trying to avoid potential legal or public disputes associated with portraying a real-life figure.
"Right now, because of the times we are in, I think filmmakers like Maddock and Laxman sir, we were only trying to protect themselves 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 said.
At the same time, Joshi acknowledged that if the only concern raised by Vithabai's family is the title and not the film's portrayal of the legendary artist, adopting her real name could ultimately work in the film'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," he added.
© Maddock Films
For those unaware, the controversy gained momentum after Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family, along with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), objected to the film's title.
According to reports by TV9 Marathi, the NCP's film and cultural department questioned why the iconic Lavani artist's name had been omitted. Babasaheb Patil, the Maharashtra state president of the party's film and cultural department, said it was important to preserve and honour Vithabai's legacy, arguing that the title should appropriately acknowledge her immense contribution to Lavani and Tamasha.
Led by Shraddha Kapoor, Eetha will be released on August 28.