Actors Shraddha Kapoor and Randeep Hooda have successfully concluded a major filming phase for their upcoming movie 'Eetha'. According to production reports, the Pune schedule of the film was wrapped up earlier this week. The movie is a biographical drama centered on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a renowned Marathi Tamasha artist. The extensive schedule in and around Pune involved filming several pivotal sequences that form the core of the narrative.
Completion of Pune Schedule and On-Set Celebrations
The team of 'Eetha' marked the completion of the Pune leg with a celebration on the sets. Reports indicate that the entire cast and crew, including director Laxman Utekar and members of the production team, participated in a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone. This follows a previous filming stint in Mumbai, which took place between late January and February. The production has been moving at a steady pace, with the crew capturing the cultural essence of Maharashtra required for the biographical setting.
Biographical Context: The Life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar
'Eetha' is inspired by the life and struggles of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a legendary figure in the world of Tamasha, a traditional folk dance-drama of Maharashtra. Shraddha Kapoor portrays the titular role of Vithabai, marking a significant shift in her filmography toward biographical storytelling, while randeep Hooda joins her in a lead role, adding his expertise in character-driven performances to the project. The film aims to highlight the contribution of folk artists to Indian culture and the personal challenges faced by Vithabai during her illustrious career.
Direction by Laxman Utekar and Production by Maddock Films
The film is directed by Laxman Utekar, known for his successful directorial ventures such as 'Mimi', 'Luka Chuppi', and 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Utekar’s expertise in blending regional narratives with mainstream cinema is expected to bring authenticity to this biopic. 'Eetha' is produced under the banner of Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan. Maddock Films has recently seen immense success with the 'Stree' franchise, and this collaboration with Utekar and the lead cast is one of their most anticipated upcoming projects.
Recent Career Milestones of the Lead Actors
Shraddha Kapoor is currently riding high on the massive success of 'Stree 2', which emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of recent times. 'Eetha' marks her first professional collaboration with Randeep Hooda, while hooda, on the other hand, was recently seen in a negative role in the film 'Jaat' alongside Sunny Deol. He also received critical acclaim for his portrayal and direction in 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. The pairing of these two distinct performers has generated significant interest among cinema enthusiasts and industry observers.
Production Status and Release Timeline
With the Pune schedule now complete, the production team is set to move into the next phase of filming and post-production. While an official release date has not been announced, industry sources suggest that the film could be ready for a theatrical release by late 2025 or early 2026. The film's focus on a historical folk figure combined with a high-profile cast positions it as a major release for Maddock Films, while further details regarding the supporting cast and official teasers are expected to be released by the makers in the coming months.