An upcoming film starring ‘Etha’ Shraddha KapoorBased on the life of Bithabai Narayangaonkar, a renowned Tamasha dancer from Pandharpur who popularized Maharashtra’s folk art globally. The movie is directed by the director Laxman Utekar. Before the teaser was released online, it was first played in theaters for the audience. The teaser shows a special and emotional moment in Bithabai’s life: the birth of her child. People loved seeing Shraddha transformed into a lavani dancer and her performance left many in awe. The film is likely to do well at the box office. Controversies and controversies have also arisen over the title of the movie.
Why object to NCP ‘Etha’ title?
According to TV9 Marathi news, NCP’s Film and Cultural Department has raised concerns over the film’s title. Party members feel that the title ‘Itha’ really fails to honor the legacy and greatness of Bithabai Narayangaonkar. They questioned why the makers did not just name the film ‘Bitha’ or ‘Bithabai’, which they believed would have been more appropriate. The department strongly supported this claim, noting that Vithabai was not just an ordinary folk artist, but one who carried forward Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, including art and tamasha traditions. Members feel that the current title ‘Etha’ does not carry the weight or impact it deserves for a film on such a legendary personality.
Why Bithabai’s family and NCP stand together against ‘Itha’?
The report also revealed that Bithabai’s family has thrown its weight behind the NCP’s Film and Cultural Department. his sons Kailash Narayangaonkar and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, along with his grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, expressed their full support to the party’s demands. NCP Maharashtra state president Babasaheb Patil emphasized that it is both 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 film’s producer Madoc Films and director Laxman Utekar have remained completely silent and have yet to issue any statement or response to the objections raised over the film’s title.
Does ‘Etha’ teaser show any powerful moments?
The teaser of ‘Itha’ gives a glimpse of one of the most powerful and moving moments in Bithabai Narayangaonkar’s life. Shraddha gets into the character effortlessly from the very first frame. The teaser shows her in the later stages of her pregnancy, still performing on stage without hesitation. During one of her performances, she realizes that the time has come for the arrival of her child. However, instead of abruptly stopping the show, she quietly went backstage and gave birth to her child. In a breath-taking moment, Bithabai cut the umbilical cord with a stone and returned to the stage to continue his performance, leaving everyone present completely speechless. The audience was moved by his incredible dedication and bravery and showered him with praise. According to historical accounts, after delivery, the ceremony was stopped immediately so that the mother could rest and recuperate.
When is ‘Etha’ releasing and who are the other cast members?
To give the film a realistic look and feel, the makers have shot it in various locations like Mumbai, Solapur, Aundhewadi, Satara, Nashik and Bhor Madhya Pradesh. Shraddha is also in the film Randeep Hooda And Mohammad Zisha Ayub is playing an important role. ‘Etha’ will be released in theaters on August 28.
