Following the phenomenal success of Stree 2, Shraddha Kapoor is set to surprise audiences once again with a dramatic shift in genre, stepping away from horror-comedy and into the world of biographical cinema with Eetha.
The upcoming film tells the remarkable story of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, one of the most celebrated figures in Maharashtrian folk theatre and a pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire generations of performers.
Excitement surrounding the project intensified after the release of its first-look posters, offering audiences a glimpse of Kapoor in one of the most transformative roles of her career.
The film reunites director Laxman Utekar with producer Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films following the success of their historical blockbuster Chhaava. Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 28 August 2026, Eetha is already emerging as one of the year’s most anticipated Indian films.
The posters showcase Kapoor in a striking traditional look, draped in a Nauvari saree and adorned with a classic gajra. Capturing the spirit of the legendary “Tamasha Samradini” – the Queen of Tamasha – she exudes both grace and resilience, reflecting the strength of the woman she portrays.
Unlike many contemporary film campaigns, the artwork embraces traditional Indian aesthetics, drawing widespread praise from fans for its authenticity and cultural richness.
The title Eetha is inspired by the affectionate regional pronunciation of “Vitha”, a nickname used for Vithabai. The film will span five decades, tracing her extraordinary journey from the 1940s through to the 1990s, documenting her rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential names in Marathi folk theatre.
Beyond celebrating her achievements, the film is also expected to explore the social barriers and hardships faced by women performers during that era, highlighting the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic excellence.
Anticipation grew even further after footage from an exclusive teaser reportedly leaked online over the weekend. Attached to screenings of Cocktail 2, the teaser recreates one of the most astonishing episodes from Vithabai’s life. According to the story, she went into labour backstage during a performance, gave birth, and then returned to the stage to complete the show – a testament to her extraordinary dedication to her art and audience.
Maddock Films is aiming to give the regional biopic broad national appeal, backing Kapoor with a strong supporting cast that includes Randeep Hooda, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and veteran actor Nana Patekar.
The soundtrack will be composed by acclaimed music duo Ajay-Atul, renowned for their powerful Marathi folk and Lavani compositions, while cinematographer Akash Agarwal is expected to bring the same visual richness and emotional depth that characterised Utekar’s previous work.
Although Eetha will face strong competition at the box office upon its release, industry observers remain optimistic about its prospects. Trade analysts believe the film’s blend of cultural authenticity, emotional storytelling and star power could resonate with audiences across both regional and mainstream markets.
With Shraddha Kapoor’s popularity extending across North India and her strong Maharashtrian roots adding further authenticity to the role, expectations are high that Eetha could become one of the standout releases of 2026.
By championing a powerful female-led story grounded in India’s cultural heritage, Laxman Utekar and Dinesh Vijan are placing their faith in audiences’ growing appetite for meaningful, character-driven cinema.
As anticipation continues to build, Eetha appears poised not only to celebrate the legacy of a forgotten icon, but also to leave a lasting mark on Indian cinema.