Entertainment

Shraddha Kapoor’s much-awaited film ‘Eetha’ will no longer release in August. The makers have postponed the theatrical release of the film from its earlier date of August 28, 2026, and have now announced December 4, 2026 as the new release date. The announcement was made by Maddock Films on August 11. Directed by Laxman Utekar, ‘Eetha’ is a biographical drama inspired by the life of legendary Marathi Lavani and Tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Shraddha Kapoor plays the lead role, portraying the celebrated folk artist. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan, Laxman Utekar and Karishma Sharma, with music composed by Ajay-Atul. The film also features Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in important roles. ‘Eetha’ marks Shraddha Kapoor’s first collaboration with filmmaker Laxman Utekar. The story focuses on the life and journey of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s folk theatre tradition. ‘Eetha’ was earlier scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 28. The makers have not publicly given a specific reason for postponing the release. However, the change moves the film away from the crowded August release window, which included Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’. The film’s teaser, released earlier this year, created interest among audiences, particularly because of Shraddha’s look and her portrayal of a character rooted in Maharashtra’s traditional performing arts. With the new December date, the makers are now preparing to bring the film to theatres during the year-end release period. With December 4, 2026 now locked as its theatrical release date, fans will have to wait a few more months to see Shraddha Kapoor in this performance-driven role. The film is backed by Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations and is expected to be one of Shraddha’s major releases following the success of ‘Stree 2’.

‘Ohh My Dog’ director Amit Rai raises two concerns: Stray welfare and the decline of children’s cinema Filmmaker Amit Rai says his latest film, Ohh My Dog, is more than a family entertainer—it is a heartfelt appeal for compassion towards stray dogs and a reminder of the importance of meaningful children’s cinema. Calling the title a playful nod to his earlier hit Oh My God 2, Rai says the film was inspired by his pet dog, Oscar. “You think you rescue a dog, but eventually you realise the dog rescues you with unconditional love,” he says. Released at a time when the issue of stray dogs is under public and legal scrutiny, Ohh My Dog advocates coexistence rather than cruelty. Drawing from the Mahabharata episode in which Yudhishthir refuses to enter heaven without his dog, Rai says compassion should never be sacrificed while addressing the stray dog issue. “We have to find a solution, but we can’t be ruthless. If we stop showing compassion to animals today, we risk losing compassion for fellow humans tomorrow,” he says, while also acknowledging the efforts of volunteers and dog feeders who care for community animals. The project gained momentum after another film starring Rani Mukerji was shelved due to creative differences. Rai says he chose to move ahead with Ohh My Dog despite financial challenges, even co-producing the film himself. Shot across Assam and Bihar, the film features several real, untrained stray dogs. One of its major sequences involving more than 200 dogs chasing an ambulance was filmed with the support of an NGO that regularly feeds community dogs. The trailer also features Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic song “Mere Paas Aao Mere Dosto,” with Sa Re Ga Ma waiving the licensing fee after appreciating the film’s intent. Starring Rai’s son Mahi alongside Pawan Malhotra and Pankaj Tripathi, the film follows a young boy’s emotional search for his missing dog. Rai says the story celebrates loyalty, love and kindness between humans and animals. The filmmaker also expresses concern over the decline of children’s films in India. “In the last 10 years, we have hardly made meaningful films for children. If we don’t create cinema for them, how will they develop an appreciation for films and the values they can impart?” he says.