Shraddha Kapoor shines as Lavani legend in 'Eetha' trailer
Synopsis
Shraddha Kapoor takes on one of her most ambitious roles yet — a character inspired by Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, Maharashtra's 'Empress of Tamasha.' With Ajay-Atul on the score, a posthumous Nana Patekar appearance, and a December 4 release, 'Eetha' could be the mainstream breakthrough moment for Marathi folk art on the Hindi cinema stage.
Key Takeaways
The trailer of 'Eetha' starring Shraddha Kapoor was unveiled on 30 October 2026 .
Kapoor plays a character inspired by Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar , legendary Lavani dancer and 'Tamasha Samradni'.
The film features a posthumous performance by veteran actor Nana Patekar , alongside Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub , Randeep Hooda , and Anant Joshi .
Music is composed by Ajay-Atul ; film is directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films .
The Maharashtra government established the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 in her honour. 'Eetha' is set to release in theatres on 4 December 2026 .
The trailer of the upcoming Maddock Films production 'Eetha' was unveiled on Friday, 30 October 2026, with actress Shraddha Kapoor stepping into the role of a character inspired by the legendary Marathi folk artist and Lavani dancer Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. The two-minute-plus cut has already sparked conversation for Kapoor's commanding screen presence and the film's deep roots in Maharashtra's tamasha tradition.
What the Trailer Reveals
The clip opens on the lead character's internal conflict — layers of self-doubt and fractured hope — before she reclaims her voice through the tamasha company, earning both respect and a devoted following. The editing is brisk, stitching together high-energy Lavani sequences to a pulsating score composed by the musical duo Ajay-Atul, known for their work in Marathi cinema. Shraddha Kapoor, who has Marathi cultural roots, reportedly drew on that background to anchor her performance in the folk beats and expressive physicality the genre demands.
The Ensemble Cast
Beyond Kapoor, 'Eetha' brings together a notable cast. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Randeep Hooda, and Anant Joshi feature in key roles. Notably, the film also carries a posthumous performance by veteran actor Nana Patekar, lending the project additional emotional weight for audiences familiar with his decades-long contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.
The Legend Behind the Film
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar was born into a family of traditional tamasha artistes and, from a young age, channelled an intense passion for singing, dancing, and acting into a remarkable career. Her powerful expressions and tireless dedication earned her the title 'Tamasha Samradni' — Empress of Tamasha — and she went on to receive national recognition and Presidential honours for her contributions to folk art. Despite persistent personal and financial hardships, she devoted herself to preserving and promoting Maharashtra's traditional folk culture and actively worked for the welfare of fellow tamasha performers. In 2006, the Maharashtra government established the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award in her memory to honour outstanding contributions to tamasha.
Makers and Release
'Eetha' is helmed by director Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, the banner behind several recent commercial successes in Hindi cinema. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 4 December 2026. This marks one of the more ambitious biopics centred on a Marathi folk icon, bringing the tamasha tradition to a mainstream multiplex audience — a cultural bridge that Indian cinema has rarely attempted at this scale.
Point of View
Which has leaned heavily on north Indian cultural references while largely leaving Maharashtra's rich tamasha tradition to regional audiences. Maddock Films' decision to anchor a big-budget production around Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar is a genuine cultural statement — but the commercial test will be whether multiplex audiences outside Maharashtra connect with a folk form they have rarely seen centred on screen. Shraddha Kapoor's casting is a calculated bet: her Marathi roots lend credibility, but the real burden is narrative authenticity. The posthumous Nana Patekar presence adds gravitas that no living actor could replicate, and that alone may drive footfalls.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'Eetha' about?
'Eetha' is a film inspired by the life of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, the legendary Marathi Lavani dancer and tamasha performer known as the 'Empress of Tamasha.' It stars Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role and is directed by Laxman Utekar under the Maddock Films banner.
When does 'Eetha' release in theatres?
'Eetha' is scheduled to release in theatres on 4 December 2026.
Who is Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar?
She was a legendary Marathi folk artist, Lavani dancer, and tamasha performer from Maharashtra, popularly known as 'Tamasha Samradni' (Empress of Tamasha). She received national recognition and Presidential honours for her contributions to folk art, and the Maharashtra government established the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award in her memory in 2006.
What is significant about Nana Patekar's role in 'Eetha'?
'Eetha' features a posthumous performance by veteran actor Nana Patekar, making it one of his final screen appearances. This lends the project considerable emotional and cinematic significance for audiences.
Who composed the music for 'Eetha'?
The music for 'Eetha' is composed by the acclaimed musical duo Ajay-Atul, widely known for their work in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, including foot-stomping folk-infused scores.
