The successful collaboration between producer Dinesh Vijan and director Laxman Utekar is set to continue with Eetha, an ambitious biographical drama that will arrive in theatres on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the Rakshabandhan holiday weekend. The film stars Shraddha Kapoor in what is being described as one of the most substantial roles of her career, alongside Randeep Hooda and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub.
The announcement comes at a time when both Vijan and Utekar are riding a wave of commercial and critical success. Their most recent collaboration, Chhaava, emerged as one of the biggest Hindi film successes of 2025, further strengthening Maddock Films‘ reputation for backing stories rooted in Indian history, culture and regional identities. Over the years, the banner has evolved from producing contemporary urban dramas to mounting large-scale projects that blend strong storytelling with commercial appeal.
While the makers have largely maintained secrecy around the narrative, reports indicate that Eetha is inspired by the life and legacy of legendary Lavani and Tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated folk artists. Revered for her contribution to preserving and popularising traditional performance arts, Vithabai remains an iconic figure in Maharashtra’s cultural history. Shraddha Kapoor is expected to portray the titular character, placing her at the centre of a story that explores both personal struggles and artistic triumphs.
The project represents a significant departure from the kind of mainstream commercial roles that have defined much of Kapoor’s recent filmography. Following the phenomenal success of Stree 2, the actor finds herself at a crucial stage in her career where audience expectations have expanded beyond conventional star vehicles. A performance-driven biographical drama offers an opportunity to showcase a different facet of her acting range, particularly in a role deeply connected to regional culture and history.
Adding further weight to the film is the casting of Randeep Hooda, an actor known for his immersive approach to character preparation. Reports from the production suggest that Hooda has undergone a physical transformation for the role, continuing a career-long pattern of intense commitment to character-driven cinema. The film also marks the first on-screen pairing between Kapoor and Hooda, creating an intriguing combination of two performers with very different screen personas.
Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub’s presence in a pivotal role further strengthens the ensemble. Widely regarded as one of the most dependable actors of his generation, Ayyub has consistently elevated films through nuanced supporting performances, making his inclusion particularly noteworthy in a story expected to be rich in character dynamics.
Production on Eetha began in late 2025 and has largely been shot across Maharashtra, including schedules in Pune and Mumbai. The film’s journey to the screen has not been without challenges. Shooting was temporarily paused after Shraddha Kapoor sustained a toe injury, forcing the makers to revise their schedule. Production later resumed, with filming extending into 2026 to accommodate the delay.
The choice of a Rakshabandhan release date is also significant. The festival period has increasingly become a lucrative window for Hindi cinema, allowing films to benefit from holiday footfalls and family audiences. For Eetha, however, the date appears to be about more than just commercial strategy. A culturally rooted story centred on one of Maharashtra’s most influential folk performers could find resonance among audiences seeking narratives connected to India’s artistic heritage.
At a time when biographical dramas continue to occupy an important space in Indian cinema, Eetha stands out because of its focus on a figure who may not be widely known across the country but whose impact on regional performing arts remains profound. With Laxman Utekar once again exploring stories rooted in Indian identity, and Shraddha Kapoor stepping into a challenging author-backed role, the film has the potential to become one of the more distinctive releases on the 2026 calendar.