Radhika Apte is back with something new, and she says it herself: this is not her usual kind of role. In Netflix’s Akka, she plays Rudra, a strong woman at the centre of a deadly power game.
The series premiered on Netflix on 30 October 2026. Here is what Radhika has said about her character, and what the show is about.
What Is Akka About?
Akka is a gangster drama set in the 1980s. The story takes place in Pernuru, a made-up kingdom that has been built and ruled by women for generations.
Two women stand on opposite sides: Bhavani, played by Keerthy Suresh, and Rudra, played by Radhika Apte. They have different goals and different beliefs. That clash becomes a fierce rivalry, and the show is about power, legacy, and revenge.
Why Radhika Apte Said Yes to Rudra
Radhika says what pulled her in was how layered the characters are. On the surface, Rudra looks dramatic and stylish. Underneath, there is much more going on.
Radhika explained that there’s “a lot of complexity to her”. She also said Rudra is the kind of role she had not done before. In her own words:
“Rudra was a character that I had never played before.”
Rudra could easily have been written as a simple villain. But the makers gave her many shades, and that is what made the role exciting for Radhika. She also called Rudra “a fascinating character”, driven by her own beliefs and a need to challenge the world around her.
The Zeenat Aman Connection
Radhika also shared that she looked at veteran star Zeenat Aman for Rudra’s look. Zeenat’s on-screen style became a reference for how Rudra is dressed and presented. That fits the retro, glamorous 80s mood of the show.
Keerthy Suresh as Bhavani
Keerthy plays the other side of the rivalry. She described Bhavani as strong but quiet in her own way. The show sets her against Radhika’s Rudra, and their face-off is the main hook of the story.
Cast and Crew
- Lead cast: Radhika Apte, Keerthy Suresh
- Also starring: Tanvi Azmi, Mahesh Manjrekar
- Director and writer: Dharmaraj Shetty (his directorial debut)
- Produced by: YRF Entertainment
- Executive producers: Aditya Chopra, Yogendra Mogre, Akshaye Widhani
- Streaming on: Netflix
A Quick Timeline
- November 2023: The series was first announced as a revenge thriller from YRF.
- 17 October 2026: The teaser dropped and the 30 October date was confirmed. It also landed on Keerthy Suresh’s birthday.
- 22 October 2026: Netflix released the trailer.
- 30 October 2026: Akka premiered on Netflix.
Final Word
With Akka, Radhika Apte steps into a role that is bold, stylish, and full of shades. If you like gangster stories with strong women at the centre, this one is worth a watch.
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