After the historic success of Chhaava, filmmaker Laxman Utekar is set to return with another ambitious project. Pinkvilla exclusively reports that Shraddha Kapoor has officially signed on to star in the upcoming female-led period drama, tentatively titled ITA. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan and is scheduled to go on floors in November 2025.
According to Pinkvilla’s sources, Shraddha Kapoor will portray a trained classical dancer, a role that celebrates Maharashtrian culture on a grand scale. To bring authenticity to the character, the actress will undergo intensive dance workshops and singing lessons in preparation for her role. “Shraddha Kapoor is set to play one of the most important characters from the history of Maharashtra, bringing forth the Maharashtrian culture to the national level,” shared an insider.
The period drama is based on a novel, though details have been kept under wraps. The film promises a larger-than-life recreation of the era, following in the footsteps of Utekar’s previous work in Chhaava, which celebrated the Maratha legacy. Pinkvilla learned that the tentative release timeline is towards the end of 2026, although this may change depending on the pace of pre-production.
Casting for other key roles is underway, with Utekar and producer Dinesh Vijan seeking strong actors from both Hindi and Marathi cinema to complement Shraddha Kapoor’s lead performance. With its scale, cultural significance, and a powerhouse lead, the film is already generating excitement among audiences and industry insiders alike
