Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming Marathi period drama Eetha has moved out of its earlier August release window and is now scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 4, 2026.
The Maddock Films-backed film, which tells the story of legendary Marathi lavani and tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, was previously part of a crowded August theatrical calendar. Its new December date places it in a very different box-office landscape, with Prabhas’ Fauzi and another upcoming Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan starrer also expected around the same period.
The makers have announced the new release date but have not publicly explained why the film was moved from August. While the shift means Eetha will no longer release alongside Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, there has been no official statement confirming that avoiding Toxic was the reason for the change.
Eetha release date shifted to December 4
Maddock Films announced the revised theatrical date on social media alongside a new poster for the film.
The production house wrote, “TOOFAN ke liye taiyaar rehna… kyunki #EETHA aa rahi hai, 4th December ko.”
The December 4 release gives the film a fresh theatrical window after its earlier August schedule. The move also changes the competitive landscape for Shraddha Kapoor’s project, which will now arrive during a period featuring several major releases.
One of the films expected to compete for audience attention is Prabhas’ Fauzi. An upcoming project starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan is also reported to be targeting the same period.
For Eetha, the new date could therefore bring both an opportunity and a challenge. A less crowded release calendar can help a film gain greater visibility, but a major-star clash can also divide audiences and screen space.
Why did Eetha move out of August?
The makers have not disclosed an official reason for changing the release date.
The film had previously been expected to arrive during an especially competitive August period, with major titles including Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and Batwara 1947 also occupying the theatrical calendar.
Because no official explanation has been provided, it would be speculative to conclude that Eetha was moved specifically to avoid a clash with Toxic.
What is confirmed is that Eetha is no longer scheduled for its earlier August window and will instead release on December 4.
What is Eetha about?
Eetha is based on the extraordinary life and career of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated lavani and tamasha performers.
The film aims to introduce a wider audience to Vithabai’s contribution to Maharashtra’s folk-performance traditions and her journey as an artiste.
A teaser released in June offered an early glimpse into the world of the film and Shraddha Kapoor’s portrayal. The project has attracted attention not only because of Kapoor’s involvement but also because it explores the life of a pioneering figure from India’s folk-theatre tradition.
Vithabai was recognised for her contribution to the performing arts and received honours from the President of India. She was also given the title of Tamasha Samradni by the Maharashtra government.
The film therefore carries a cultural dimension beyond its theatrical ambitions, bringing the life of a major folk artiste to a contemporary mainstream audience.
Eetha title sparked a family-related discussion
The film’s title also became a subject of discussion after reports emerged that Vithabai’s grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar had objected to the name Eetha and wanted the artiste’s full name to be included in the title.
The issue generated attention because of the cultural significance of Vithabai’s legacy.
However, Vithabai’s daughter Mangala Bansode Karavadikar subsequently said that the family had no objection to the title. According to her, people in villages where Vithabai performed commonly referred to the artiste as “Eetha.”
Mangala, who is herself a tamasha artiste and a recipient of the President’s Award, also said she had discussed the name with director Laxman Utekar during the development of the film.
Her comments helped provide additional context to the title and the family’s perspective on the project.
Shraddha Kapoor reunites with Maddock Films
Eetha marks another collaboration between Shraddha Kapoor and producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.
The actress has previously worked with the production house on the successful Stree franchise, making the reunion particularly notable.
The film is directed by Laxman Utekar, whose filmography includes Luka Chuppi, Mimi and Chhaava. Utekar’s experience with both mainstream Hindi cinema and emotionally driven stories adds to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Randeep Hooda and Anant Joshi are also part of the cast in pivotal roles.
What the new December release means for Eetha
The change from August to December gives Eetha additional breathing room away from its earlier crowded release window. At the same time, the film now enters another competitive period, with Fauzi among the titles expected to attract significant attention.
For Shraddha Kapoor, the project represents a different kind of role from the mainstream commercial films for which she is widely known. Playing a character based on an influential folk artiste also gives Eetha the potential to connect entertainment with Maharashtra’s cultural history.
Whether the December release proves advantageous will ultimately depend on the final release calendar, screen availability, audience response and competition at the time.
For now, the confirmed update is clear: Eetha will reach cinemas on December 4, 2026, with the makers yet to announce why the film was moved from its earlier August schedule.
