Shraddha Kapoor Shines as Folk Icon Vithabai in Eetha Teaser

The much-anticipated Shraddha Kapoor Eetha teaser has finally been released online, offering audiences a powerful first look at the actor’s transformation into legendary Marathi Tamasha and Lavani performer Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. Directed by Laxman Utekar and backed by Maddock Films, the biographical drama is scheduled to hit theatres on August 28 during the Raksha Bandhan weekend.

The teaser arrives after weeks of growing anticipation. It was first screened exclusively in theatres alongside Cocktail 2 on June 19, where early clips quickly spread across social media and generated strong audience curiosity. Ahead of the digital launch, Shraddha Kapoor shared the film’s first-look posters on Instagram, asking fans, “Taiyaar ho? Aa rahi hai #EETHA,” further fueling excitement around the project.

A Teaser Built Around Grit and Determination

Running just over two minutes, the teaser introduces viewers to a world where crowds gather eagerly for a performance by “Eetha,” a name inspired by Vithabai’s regional nickname. As anticipation builds among spectators waiting for their star performer, the narrative shifts backstage to reveal a dramatic moment in the artist’s life.

Shraddha’s Vithabai is shown enduring labour pains moments before a performance. In one of the teaser’s most striking sequences, she gives birth backstage and refuses to abandon the stage despite warnings that dancing could put her life at risk.

Her defiant response becomes the emotional centrepiece of the teaser: “Padi padi mari toh bechari kehlaungi, naachte hue mari toh misaal ban jaaungi” — a declaration that captures the performer’s commitment to her craft and the legacy she would go on to build.

The footage then moves through glimpses of vibrant Lavani performances, emotional personal struggles and the rise of a woman who became one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated folk artists.

Shraddha Kapoor’s Transformation Draws Attention

Known for her work across commercial entertainers, romance and horror-comedy films, Kapoor appears in one of the most demanding roles of her career. The teaser showcases her in traditional Maharashtrian attire, performing energetic dance routines while embodying the confidence and charisma associated with Vithabai.

Her expressive performance, commanding stage presence and attention to the nuances of Tamasha culture have emerged as key talking points among viewers. Promotional posters released before the teaser further highlighted the film’s visual scale, featuring Kapoor in colourful sarees adorned with ghungroos amid lantern-lit crowds and festive settings inspired by traditional folk theatre.

The teaser also hints at extensive preparation behind the role, with the actor appearing deeply immersed in the traditions of Lavani and Tamasha that defined Vithabai’s career.

Celebrating Maharashtra’s Folk Heritage

Beyond its biographical narrative, Eetha appears positioned as a tribute to Maharashtra’s rich cultural legacy. Vithabai Narayangaonkar remains one of the most influential figures in Tamasha theatre, and the film is expected to trace her journey from the 1940s through the 1990s, capturing both her rise to fame and the challenges she faced as a female performer.

The teaser suggests a story that balances spectacle with emotional depth, exploring the sacrifices, resilience and artistic passion that shaped Vithabai’s life. It also sheds light on the struggles women encountered within traditional performance spaces while preserving a vital folk art form.

Strong Early Response Online

The teaser has received an enthusiastic reaction across social media platforms, with many viewers describing it as one of the strongest first looks of the year.

Fans praised Kapoor’s screen presence and transformation, with several calling the performance potentially career-defining. Others highlighted the visual richness of the teaser, comparing individual frames to paintings and applauding the actor’s emotional intensity. The online response has further strengthened expectations for the film ahead of its theatrical release.

Cast and Creative Team

Eetha reunites director Laxman Utekar and producer Dinesh Vijan following their collaboration on Chhaava. The film also stars Randeep Hooda, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Anant Joshi in significant roles.

The screenplay has been written by Kshitij Patwardhan, while acclaimed music duo Ajay-Atul has composed the soundtrack, a crucial element for a story rooted in Maharashtra’s musical and theatrical traditions.

With its blend of biography, cultural history and performance-driven storytelling, Eetha has emerged as one of the most closely watched Hindi releases of the year, placing Shraddha Kapoor at the centre of a story that seeks to bring one of Maharashtra’s greatest folk legends to a new generation.