Actress Radhika Apte has said the complexity of the characters and the tensions arising from their differing perspectives drew her to Akka, the upcoming gangster saga starring Keerthy Suresh and Apte.
The makers unveiled the teaser and premiere date of the Netflix series, introducing Keerthy as Bhavani and Apte as Rudra, two formidable women at the centre of Pernuru, a kingdom shaped by deep-rooted traditions, shifting power equations and simmering rivalries.
Speaking about her role, Apte described Rudra as a fascinating character driven by her convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her.
“It’s wonderful that the date announcement and the teaser drop of Akka has coincided with Keerthy’s birthday. I am sure it is going to be lucky for us. Rudra is a fascinating character, driven by her own convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her,” she said.
Apte added that the layered characters and their contrasting viewpoints made the project particularly intriguing. She also reflected on her association with Netflix across several projects, describing Akka as another distinctive storytelling experience.
“Collaborating with YRF Entertainment on a story with such layered characters has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to audiences discovering Rudra and the many dimensions of her journey,” she said.
Produced by YRF Entertainment, Akka marks the directorial debut of Dharmaraj Shetty, who has also written the series. Set in the 1980s, the show is described as an epic gangster saga that places women at the centre of its narrative.
The story unfolds in Pernuru, an imagined kingdom shaped by generations of women who built, governed and protected it.
Keerthy, who plays Bhavani, said unveiling the teaser on her birthday made the occasion particularly special. She described Bhavani as one of the most distinctive characters she has portrayed and spoke positively about working with Apte.
The actress said the contrasting personalities of Bhavani and Rudra create compelling dynamics and add an intriguing edge to the story.
Akka marks Keerthy’s first series with Netflix and YRF Entertainment. She said the distinctiveness of the story and its setting drew her to the project and expressed hope that viewers would explore the different facets of Bhavani as the narrative unfolds.