Shraddha Kapoor's 'Eetha' faces title dispute as Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family demands change

Shraddha Kapoor's forthcoming film Eetha has found itself in a controversy even before its release, with the family of Vithabai Narayangaonkar — the iconic Maharashtrian Lavani and folk artist — formally demanding that the production change the film's title.

The family's objection centres on a perceived connection between the title and the legacy of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, who is a deeply revered figure in Maharashtra's cultural landscape. Her contributions to Lavani and Tamasha folk traditions have earned her an enduring place in the state's artistic heritage, and her family appears concerned that the title could create an unintended or misleading association.

The filmmakers have not yet publicly responded to the demand, leaving open the question of whether the title will be retained, modified, or replaced entirely. Title changes at a late stage in a film's production can have ripple effects on marketing, promotional material, and trade bookings.

For Shraddha Kapoor, who has been working to consolidate her box-office standing with a string of commercially focused projects, this is an unwanted distraction. How the producers navigate the dispute — through dialogue with the family or potentially through legal channels — will determine whether the film's release timeline is affected.