Shraddha Kapoor's Upcoming Film 'Eetha' Set for August 2026 Release
Shraddha Kapoor Returns to the Big Screen
Shraddha Kapoor is making her much-anticipated return to cinemas following the success of her previous film, Stree 2, released in 2024. After the triumph of Chhaava, director Laxman Utekar is collaborating once again with producer Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films for the biographical drama Eetha, which stars Shraddha in a challenging role. The film's theatrical release is officially scheduled for August 28, 2026, coinciding with the Rakshabandhan festival.
Release Date Confirmed for Eetha
Eetha locks release date
The production team has announced that Eetha will premiere in theaters worldwide on August 28, 2026. The narrative centers around the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a renowned Tamasha performer and one of Maharashtra's most esteemed folk artists. The film draws inspiration from her extraordinary life, covering a span of five decades from the 1940s to the 1990s, highlighting her rise to fame, artistic contributions, personal challenges, and her enduring influence on Maharashtra's cultural landscape.
Filming Insights and Challenges
As reported by Mid-Day, Shraddha Kapoor completed the filming of Eetha in May of this year. The final schedule included an elaborate montage song sequence filmed in Bhor, Maharashtra, featuring nearly 800 background performers, which is expected to be a significant emotional highlight of the film. This montage illustrates Vithabai Narayangaonkar's transformative journey from her early years to her rise to stardom, as well as the obstacles she faced later in life. The production spanned approximately 60 days, with principal photography commencing in March and taking place at various locations throughout Maharashtra, including Madh Island in Mumbai, Solapur, Aundhewadi, Satara, Nashik, and Bhor. To authentically portray different stages of Vithabai's life, the team utilized these diverse settings. The film's intricate dance sequences, including the final montage, were choreographed by the acclaimed Vaibhavi Merchant.
Cultural Connection and Dance Training
Why Laxman Utekar chose Shraddha Kapoor
According to another report from Mid-Day, Laxman Utekar selected Shraddha Kapoor for the role due to her strong ties to Maharashtrian culture. Her mother, Shivangi Kolhapure, hails from a Maharashtrian family, allowing Shraddha to grow up immersed in the state's traditions. This cultural background is believed to have significantly aided her in connecting with her character. Additionally, during the Nashik filming schedule, Shraddha suffered a fracture.
Given that dance is a crucial aspect of Vithabai Narayangaonkar's life, Shraddha underwent extensive training in traditional Maharashtrian dance forms, such as Lavani and Gavlan, both of which are integral to Tamasha, a popular folk theatre genre that combines storytelling, music, satire, and dance. Alongside Shraddha Kapoor, Eetha also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles.