Celebrated choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant has spoken at length about her experience crafting the Lavani sequences in the upcoming film Eetha, describing the assignment as far more than a routine dance number — it was, she said, an act of cultural preservation and celebration.

Honouring a Living Tradition

Vaibhavi Merchant described Lavani as 'one of India's most vibrant and expressive folk dance traditions, carrying with it generations of culture, storytelling, strength, and artistry.' For her, the choreography in Eetha was rooted in reverence. 'For me, choreographing the Lavani sequences in Eetha was never just about creating a dance number — it was about celebrating and honoring a form that deserves to be seen, appreciated, and spoken about on a much larger stage,' she said.

She added that the team was deliberate in its approach: 'Through Eetha, we wanted to present Lavani with authenticity, pride, and grandeur while making it accessible to newer audiences across the world. If this film inspires even a few more people to discover the beauty and richness of Lavani, I would consider that a victory for the art form itself.'

A Tribute to Vithabai Narayangaonkar

The title track features Shraddha Kapoor and serves as a tribute to the legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, whose contributions to Maharashtra's folk culture made her one of the most iconic cultural figures in the state's history. The film draws its central inspiration from her life — her resilience, her devotion to the art, and her determination to perform despite all odds.

The teaser, released by the makers on Wednesday, opens with a large crowd gathering for one of Vithabai's performances, offering a compelling glimpse into her remarkable journey and the cultural world she inhabited.

About the Film

Eetha is directed by Laxman Utekar and stars Shraddha Kapoor, Randeep Hooda, and Anant Joshi. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner and is scheduled for a theatrical release on 28 August.

Why It Matters

Lavani, deeply rooted in Maharashtra's cultural fabric, has historically occupied the margins of mainstream Indian cinema despite its rich performative tradition. Eetha represents a notable attempt to bring the form to a national — and potentially global — audience, backed by a major production house and a high-profile cast. Notably, Maddock Films has a track record of packaging folk and genre stories for wide commercial release, lending this project additional visibility.

With its release on 28 August, the film will be closely watched as a test of whether Lavani-centred storytelling can find traction beyond Maharashtra's borders.