Netflix has pulled back the curtain on Akka, its new female-led crime series starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte. The official teaser arrived on October 17 — timed to Keerthy Suresh’s birthday — along with confirmation that the series premieres on October 30. Here are the five things worth knowing about one of Netflix India’s most intriguing year-end bets.
Two queens, one kingdom. Keerthy Suresh plays Bhavani, the reigning leader of the sisterhood that rules the fictional kingdom of Pernuru, while Radhika Apte plays Rudra, a formidable rival with a very different vision of how the kingdom should be led. It is the first time the two acclaimed actors share the screen, and their clash is the beating heart of the series.
The world of Pernuru runs on women. Set in the 1980s, the story unfolds in a fictional kingdom where the Akkas — an elite sisterhood — have controlled the gold trade and commanded a force of female warriors for more than 800 years. The order shatters when a mysterious outsider arrives with a personal mission, setting off a storm of violence, revenge and survival. The tagline says it all: ‘Ab chalega beheno ka shaasan.’
It is a YRF Entertainment production with a first-time filmmaker at the helm. Produced by YRF Entertainment, Akka is written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, who makes his directorial debut with the series. Aditya Chopra, Yogendra Mogre and Akshaye Widhani serve as executive producers, and the cast also includes veteran Tanvi Azmi.
The teaser was a birthday gift to the fans — and the star. Netflix chose October 17, Keerthy Suresh’s birthday, to unveil the teaser. Calling Bhavani one of the most unique and memorable characters she has ever played, Keerthy said the project is especially close to her heart. Radhika Apte, who plays Rudra, described her character as fascinating — driven by her own convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her.
It is a first for both leading ladies. Akka marks Keerthy Suresh’s first series with both Netflix and YRF Entertainment — she said the distinctiveness of the story and the world it inhabits is what drew her in. For Radhika Apte, it continues a long and successful run with the streamer. With its October 30 premiere, Akka lands right in the festive season — and squarely in the Diwali-weekend viewing plans of crime-drama fans.
