The teaser of Shraddha Kapoor’s much-anticipated film ‘Eetha’ was unveiled on June 23, 2026, giving audiences a powerful first glimpse of the actor in the role of legendary Marathi Lavani and Tamasha performer Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar .
Directed by Laxman Utekar, known for the recent blockbuster ‘Chhaava’, the film is a biographical drama produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. It marks a significant collaboration, bringing together the successful producer-director duo after ‘Chhaava’ and reuniting Shraddha Kapoor with Maddock following the massive success of the ‘Stree’ franchise .
What the teaser reveals
The intense two-minute teaser opens with a crowd thronging to watch a Tamasha performance, fervently calling out for the titular dancer, Eetha. The scene cuts backstage to a heavily pregnant Shraddha Kapoor, who is in visible agony as she goes into labour .
Despite being cautioned about the life-threatening risks, Eetha is determined to perform, delivering a powerful line: “Padi padi mari toh bechari kehlaungi, naachte hue mari toh misaal ban jaaungi” (If I die after falling again and again, I’ll be remembered as a helpless woman. But if I die dancing, I’ll become a legend) .
In a display of her fierce commitment to her craft, the teaser shows Eetha giving birth backstage and then walking right back onto the stage to finish her performance, leaving the audience stunned and moved by her dedication .
Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, fondly known as the ‘Tamasha Samradini’ (Empress of Tamasha), was one of Maharashtra’s most influential folk artists . Born in 1935 into a family with a strong performing tradition, she rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated figure in the Tamasha and Lavani theatre scenes .
Known for her powerful stage presence and expressive voice, she received the President’s Award twice, in 1957 and 1990, for her immense contribution to Indian folk culture . The film is set to explore her life spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s, highlighting her rise to fame and the struggles she faced, including financial hardship in her later years .
Cast and release date
Alongside Shraddha Kapoor in the title role, ‘Eetha’ features a strong ensemble cast including Randeep Hooda, Nana Patekar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Siddharth Jadhav in pivotal roles . The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 28, 2026, during the Raksha Bandhan holiday period .
