‘Eetha’ is an upcoming movie starring: Shraddha Kapoorbased on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a renowned Tamasha dancer from Pandharpur who popularized the folk art of Maharashtra worldwide. The movie is directed by the director Laxman Utekar. Before releasing the teaser online, it was first screened in theaters for the audience. The teaser shows a very special and emotional moment from Vithabai’s life. the birth of his son. People love to see Shraddha become a lavani dancer and her performance has impressed many. The film is likely to do well at the box office. At the same time, the title of the movie became the subject of debate and controversy.
Why is NCP opposing the title ‘Eetha’?
According to TV9 Marathi, the Film and Cultural Department of the NCP has raised concerns about the title of the film. Party members feel that the title ‘Eetha’ fails to truly honor the legacy and greatness of Vithabai Narayangaonkar. They questioned why the makers of the film did not name it as ‘Vitha’ or ‘Vithabai’, which they believed was more appropriate. The department strongly supported this demand, pointing out that Vithabai was not just an ordinary folk artist, but someone who brought forward the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, including the art forms and traditions of Tamasha. The members feel that the current title ‘Eetha’ does not carry the weight or impact that a film on a legendary personality deserves.
Why is Vithabai’s family and the NCP standing together against ‘Eetha’?
The report further revealed that Vithabai’s family has thrown its weight behind the NCP’s Film and Culture Department. His children: Kailash Narayangaonkar and: Rajesh: Narayangaonkar, along with his grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, expressed their full support to the party’s request. NCP Maharashtra State President Babasaheb Patil stressed that it is his personal and the party’s responsibility to ensure that Vithabai’s life and legacy is portrayed on screen with the highest level of respect, dignity and grace. Despite all the noise surrounding the controversy, the makers of the film Maddock Films and the director Laxman Utekar have remained completely silent and have not yet given any statement or response regarding the objections raised by the title of the film.
What powerful moment does the teaser of ‘Eetha’ show?
The teaser of ‘Eetha’ offers a glimpse of one of the most powerful and inspiring moments in Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s life. Shraddha falls into the character effortlessly right from the first frame. The teaser shows her in the later stages of her pregnancy, but continues to perform on stage without hesitation. During one of his performances, he realized that the time for his son’s arrival had come. However, instead of abruptly stopping the show, she calmly walked backstage and gave birth to her child. In a breathtaking moment, Vithabai cut the navel with a stone and walked back on stage to continue her performance, leaving everyone present completely speechless. The audience was moved by his extraordinary dedication and courage and praised him. According to historical accounts, after the delivery, the performance was stopped immediately so that Vithabai could rest and recuperate.
When will ‘Eetha’ release and who are the other cast members?
To make the film look and feel authentic, the makers shot it in many different locations like Madh Island in Mumbai, Solapur, Aundhewadi, Satara, Nashik and Bhor. Apart from Shraddha, the film also features: Randeep Hooda and Mohammad Zeesha Ayyub played important roles. ‘Eetha’ will hit the theaters on August 28.