Actor Shraddha Kapoor’s film Eetha has been moved out of the crowded August release calendar, avoiding a box-office clash with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The biographical drama, inspired by the life of legendary Marathi lavani and tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, will now reach theatres in December instead of August.
The new release date places the film in a different box-office window in early December, where it will compete with films such as Prabhas’ Fauzi and Anees Bazmee’s upcoming film featuring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. The makers have not revealed the reason behind the postponement.
Maddock Films announced the revised release date on social media, confirming that Eetha will hit cinemas on December 4. Along with a new poster, the production house wrote, “TOOFAN ke liye taiyaar rehna... kyunki #EETHA aa rahi hai, 4th December ko.”
The film was earlier scheduled to release during an already packed August lineup, which also includes titles such as Batwara 1947 and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.
What the teaser showed
The film’s teaser was released in June, giving audiences a glimpse into the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated lavani and tamasha performers. According to the makers, the story follows her remarkable journey while highlighting her contribution to India’s folk theatre traditions.
The teaser came out after videos recorded inside cinema halls were leaked online and subsequently went viral on social media.
Vithabai Narayangaonkar was regarded as one of the most influential personalities in Marathi folk performance. She received honours from the President of India in 1957 and 1990 for her contribution to the art form. The Maharashtra government also honoured her with the title of Tamasha Samradni.
Title controversy and family response
The film’s title had earlier become a subject of controversy after reports claimed that Vithabai’s grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar objected to the name Eetha and wanted her full name to be included in the title. The film and cultural department of the Nationalist Congress Party also asked the makers to reconsider the title, while clarifying that it had no objection to the film itself.
Vithabai’s eldest daughter, Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, later said that the family had no objection to the title. She revealed that she had spoken to Mohit and asked him not to make any further comments on the matter.
She explained that people in the villages where her mother performed would often address her as Eetha. Mangala, who is also a tamasha performer and a recipient of the President’s Award, said she had shared this information with director Laxman Utekar while the film was being developed. She added that the family was pleased that the movie would introduce audiences to Vithabai’s dedication to her art.
More about the film
Produced by Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations, Eetha is directed by Laxman Utekar, known for films including Luka Chuppi, Mimi and Chhaava. The project marks another collaboration between Shraddha Kapoor and producer Dinesh Vijan following the success of the Stree franchise.
The film also stars Randeep Hooda and Anant Joshi in important roles.
