Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha faces objection from Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family

Vithabai Narayangaonkar and Shraddha Kapoor (Pictures via X)

Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming film Eetha has landed in controversy even before its release, with the family of legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar objecting to the film's title. The family has questioned the makers' decision to use the name and has sought clarity over whether the project is connected to the late folk artist's life and legacy.

Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha in legal soup

According to reports, members of Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family have expressed concern that the title Eetha could create confusion among audiences. They reportedly believe the film's name closely resembles the cultural identity associated with the celebrated Lavani icon and may lead people to assume that the movie is based on her life without the family's consent.

The family has also raised concerns about the possibility of Vithabai's legacy being misrepresented if audiences mistakenly associate the film with her story. They have reportedly urged the filmmakers to explain the reasoning behind the title and clarify whether the film has any connection to the legendary performer.

The controversy has attracted attention as Vithabai Narayangaonkar remains one of Maharashtra's most respected folk artists. Known for popularising Lavani across the country, she is regarded as a cultural icon whose contributions to traditional performing arts continue to be celebrated.

So far, the makers of Eetha have not publicly responded to the family's concerns. Shraddha Kapoor, who headlines the film, has also not commented on the controversy.

All about the biopic

The film has already generated considerable buzz since its announcement, with fans eager to see Shraddha in a new avatar. However, the latest dispute over the title has shifted the focus away from the project itself and towards questions surrounding its naming.

It remains unclear whether the filmmakers will consider changing the title or issue an official clarification in response to the objections. Industry observers believe a statement from the production team could help address the family's concerns and prevent further confusion.

As discussions continue, the controversy has sparked debate on the importance of respecting the legacy of cultural figures while naming fictional films. Until the makers clarify their position, questions surrounding Eetha and its title are likely to remain a talking point among audiences and the film industry alike.