Female Gangsters and Fierce Rivalries: Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte Dive Into ‘Akka’
Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte dive into the world of female gangsters in YRF and Netflix's upcoming series Akka. Get the details here.
Prepare for a world where women hold the reins of power and the stakes are lethally high. Actors Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte are teaming up for Akka, an upcoming female-centric gangster series arriving on Netflix. Produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, the show promises a high-octane blend of action, drama, and a unique social structure.
A World of Matriarchal Power
The series takes viewers into the fictional kingdom of Pernuru, a place governed by its own set of rules and traditions. Director Dharmaraj Shetty revealed that the inspiration for Akka came from his research into matrilineal and matriarchal societies in southern India. By blending these real-world sociological elements with the grit of a gangster drama, Shetty has created a grand visual scale where women lead from the front and fiercely protect their legacies.
Shetty noted that as the story evolved, its scale grew significantly, leading him to partner with Yash Raj Films (YRF) to ensure the vision was executed with the necessary grandeur. He emphasized that the heart of the show lies in the contrast between the epic setting and the raw human emotions driving the characters.
Keerthy Suresh as the Powerful Bhavani
For Keerthy Suresh, Akka marks a significant milestone as it is her first-ever web series and her first collaboration with YRF. Playing the role of Bhavani, Keerthy describes her character as a powerful yet subtle leader and fighter.
Sharing her experience, Keerthy expressed her love for challenging roles, stating, "I love challenging roles. I love powerful roles, and this is one such." Her preparation for the part was intensive, involving:
- Extensive script readings and look tests.
- Deep dives into the language and the fictional world of Pernuru.
- Constant discussions with director Dharmaraj Shetty to uncover the character's depth.
Keerthy admitted that the uniqueness of the world initially left her wondering how it would be brought to life, but she credited the cast and crew for making the vision a reality. She hopes the audience will be so immersed in the storytelling that they question if such a world actually exists.
Radhika Apte as the Complex Ruthra
Adding to the intensity is Radhika Apte, who steps into the role of Ruthra. While Ruthra is traditionally positioned as the antagonist, Radhika describes her as a nuanced character with multiple layers of complexity.
Radhika mentioned that the "filmy" and theatrical nature of the gangster genre was a fresh experience for her. "It's written very nuanced the character. So, I've never done that before. So, it was all very new and exciting," she shared. Working with YRF was also a personal milestone for the actor, who grew up watching the production house's iconic films.
The Clash of Legacies
The recently unveiled trailer sets the stage for a brutal rivalry. In the kingdom of Pernuru, the powerful houses are in a state of tension. Keerthy Suresh's Bhavani stands as an impeccable leader guarding her reign, while Radhika Apte's Ruthra emerges to challenge the long-standing legacy that has ruled the land.
With the combined backing of YRF and Netflix, Akka is shaping up to be a dramatic exploration of power, gender, and betrayal in a world where the women are the ultimate bosses.