Netflix’s female-led gangster series “Akka,” starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte, premieres October 30, 2026, in a fictional 1985 South Indian kingdom ruled by women. The show explores power struggles between rival characters, Bhavani and Rudra, in a world where matriarchal authority faces disruption.
Netflix’s upcoming series “Akka,” starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte, will premiere on October 30, 2026, in a fictional 1985 South Indian kingdom ruled by women. The drama, set in the fictional town of Pernuru, follows Bhavani (Suresh) and Rudra (Apte), two formidable women whose conflicting ambitions drive a gripping rivalry. Produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, the series centers on a matriarchal society where power, loyalty, and revenge intersect.
A Kingdom Built by Women, Threatened by Rivalry
The series’ fictional setting is grounded in research into matriarchal societies, with director Dharmaraj Shetty explaining that the concept emerged from his work on a gangster film and studies of matrilineal traditions in southern India. Pernuru is a world shaped by generations of women, where power, legacy, and rivalry play out in fresh and unexpected ways,
he said in a statement shared by The Futon Critic.
Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte Bring Fierce Dynamics to the Screen
Keerthy Suresh, a National Award-winning actress, describes Bhavani as powerful
yet subtle,
emphasizing the complexity of her character’s leadership. Radhika Apte, meanwhile, characterizes her role as complex and distinct from her previous work, challenging the existing order.
Suresh, making her web series debut, shared that the project marked a departure from her previous work. I couldn't have asked for a better start,
she said in an interview, addressing her new phase of career. Apte, meanwhile, highlighted the opportunity to explore a new dimension of her craft.
Women as Power Centre in Gangster Series
The series also features veteran actress Tanvi Azmi, along with Mahesh Manjrekar, Anshuman Pushkar, and Monica Panwar. Tanya Bami, Netflix India’s Series Head, described Akka as a distinctive world where women are not just part of the story; they are the power centre,
highlighting its unique take on the gangster genre in a statement from About Netflix.
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🔥 POWER. LEGACY. REVENGE.👑 Keerthy Suresh vs Radhika Apte!⚔️ The #Akka trailer unveils a ruthless, women-ruled gangster world set in the 1980s.🎬 Directed by Dharmaraj Shetty📺 Streaming worldwide October 30 on Netflix!#KeerthySuresh #Netflix pic.twitter.com/rYhrlWFmSm
Keerthy Suresh, Akka of Pernuru 👑🔥 pic.twitter.com/wFH93F8Gtm
Keerthy Suresh celebrates her birthday with a special surprise for fans as Netflix and YRF Entertainment announce Akka's October 30 premiere!#NetflixIndia #KeerthySuresh #Akka #RadhikaApte pic.twitter.com/d3v6HEM3Zo
And this one’s for #AKKA 🤍@NetflixIndia @yrf #Netflix2025 pic.twitter.com/IvHT1NnEKZ