Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha Story, Release Date, Cast To Shoot Locations: Five Things To Know

Shraddha Kapoor has been selective about her films. Two years after Stree 2, the actress will be returning to the big screen with Laxman Utekar’s Eetha, based on Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar’s story. The first teaser of the biopic was unveiled along with Cocktail 2’s prints across the nation. It showed an important event in Vithabai’s life. The makers of Eetha haven’t released the teaser officially, and it remains exclusive to theatres for some time. The first glimpse of the film impressed those who watched it on the big screen.

Ahead of Eetha’s official teaser launch, here are five things you need to know about the film. From Vithabai’s past, pregnancy story to cast, shoot locations and more.

 is an upcoming Laxman Utekar film starring Shraddha Kapoor. Set in Maharashtra’s Pandharpur, the film explores the life of a Maharashtrian Tamasha dancer Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, who was born into a family of artistes. Eetha is Laxman’s next after Chhaava in 2025. It is a Hindi film releasing this year. The shoot wrapped up in May and now the movie is in its post-production phase.

Eetha is inspired by the life of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. Known as ‘Tamasha Samradini’ (Tamasha Empress), she was influential in shaping the folk dance’s legacy. She belonged to the Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar family. Her father, uncle and grandfather Narayan Khude were the pioneers of the art form and she grew up around various forms of songs like Lavanya, Gavlan, Bhedik, etc.

When her family went through a rough phase, Vithabai stepped forward and took the family legacy forward. She was even conferred with the President’s Award in 1957 and 1990. In the later years of her life, Vithabai faced monetary struggles despite being famous. As per reports, her hospital bills post-death were cleared by donors.

The teaser highlights an important event of her life. Till the last minute of her pregnancy, Vithabai continues performing on stage. One day, she realised that the baby was due and went backstage to deliver the child. Dedicated to her craft, she cut the umbilical cord with a stone and returned to perform. Seeing her condition, the patrons asked her to get some rest and cancelled the show.

Eetha is headlined by  .She plays the role of Vithabai Narayangaonkar. The biopic also stars Randeep Hooda, Nana Patekar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Siddharth Jadhav, and Anant Joshi.

Eetha will be releasing in theatres on August 28, which will be celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. Its teaser and other assets are expected to be out in July.

Eetha has been filmed in cities and towns that are relevant to the story and the life of Vithabai. It has been shot in Madh Island, Pune, Nashik (near Aundhewadi), Solapur, Satara, Kolhapur and Bhor.