Shraddha Kapoor is stepping into one of the most challenging roles of her career, and if the first glimpse of Eetha is anything to go by, audiences are in for an emotional and powerful cinematic experience. After bringing the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen with Chhaava, director Laxman Utekar is now turning his attention to another celebrated figure from Maharashtra’s cultural history — legendary Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar.
The first teaser of Eetha was initially screened exclusively in theatres alongside Cocktail 2. Moviegoers attending the first shows were treated to an unexpected glimpse of Shraddha in a never-seen-before avatar. The teaser has now been officially unveiled, and it is already creating buzz across social media for its striking visuals and the actress’ complete transformation into the iconic performer.
Shraddha Kapoor Delivers a Powerful First Look
The teaser focuses on one of the most talked-about incidents from Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s life, a moment that eventually became a symbol of her dedication to art. Shraddha appears as the celebrated Lavani performer, heavily pregnant but still committed to entertaining her audience.
As the teaser unfolds, Vithabai is shown performing on stage despite being close to childbirth. During the performance, she realizes that her baby is due. Instead of panicking or abandoning the show, she quietly walks backstage and gives birth. In one of the teaser’s most impactful moments, she is seen cutting the umbilical cord with a stone before returning to the stage and continuing her performance.
The sequence highlights the extraordinary determination that made Vithabai a legend in Maharashtra’s folk theatre scene. The audience inside the teaser is left stunned by her resilience, and the same reaction appears to be echoing among viewers online.
Shraddha’s body language, expressions, and appearance have already earned praise from fans, many of whom believe the role could become one of the defining performances of her career.
The Real Story Behind Vithabai Narayangaonkar
For many younger audiences, Eetha may serve as an introduction to one of Maharashtra’s most influential folk artists. Vithabai Narayangaonkar was widely regarded as the “Tamasha Samradini” or Empress of Tamasha. Born into a family deeply connected to folk performance traditions, she grew up surrounded by Lavani, Gavlan, and other traditional art forms.
When her family faced difficult circumstances, Vithabai stepped forward and carried the legacy of the Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar troupe on her shoulders. Her performances earned admiration across Maharashtra and eventually brought her national recognition. Over the course of her career, she received several prestigious honours, including the President’s Award on multiple occasions.
Despite her fame and contributions to folk culture, Vithabai reportedly faced financial hardships later in life. Her story remains one of talent, sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to art, making it rich material for a cinematic adaptation.
Months of Preparation Went Into the Film
The makers have reportedly gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity. Shraddha underwent extensive training in traditional Lavani and Gavlan dance forms to accurately portray the legendary performer. Sources close to the production reveal that the actress spent months preparing for the physically demanding role.
The film was shot across several locations in Maharashtra, including Solapur, Satara, Nashik, Bhor, Aundhewadi, and Mumbai’s Madh Island. The production aimed to recreate the atmosphere and cultural landscape that shaped Vithabai’s journey.
Filming was not without challenges. During the shoot, Shraddha reportedly suffered a fracture in her left foot while performing an important Lavani sequence. Despite the injury, work on the film continued, highlighting the scale and commitment involved in bringing the project to life.
Eetha Set for a Big Box Office Clash
Apart from Shraddha Kapoor, the film also stars Randeep Hooda in a pivotal role. The project is expected to blend history, culture, music, and emotion while introducing audiences to a remarkable chapter of Maharashtra’s artistic heritage.
Produced on a grand scale, Eetha is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 28, 2026. The film will face stiff competition at the box office, clashing with Shraddha Kapoor’s own Eetha rivals including Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups and other major releases arriving around the same period.
However, based on the response to the teaser alone, Eetha already appears to have struck an emotional chord. More than just a biopic, the film promises to celebrate the life of a woman who refused to let hardship stand between her and the stage she loved. For Shraddha Kapoor, it could become one of the most important and transformative projects of her film career.
