Netflix on 22 October 2026 released the trailer for 'Akka', an epic gangster drama starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte in the lead roles, putting two formidable women at the centre of a story built on power, legacy, and revenge. The trailer marks one of the most anticipated reveals of the year in Indian streaming, with the film backed by YRF Entertainment and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty.

The Story at the Core

'Akka' follows Bhavani (played by Keerthy Suresh) and Rudra (played by Radhika Apte), two women whose conflicting ambitions and opposing beliefs spiral into a gripping, high-stakes rivalry. Written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, the film attempts something relatively rare in mainstream Indian cinema — a gangster narrative where the central conflict is driven entirely by female characters with distinct ideological stances rather than men.

What the Lead Actors Said

Speaking about her character, Keerthy Suresh said, 'Bhavani is a woman who knows what she stands for and will go to great lengths to protect her legacy. What makes her interesting is that beneath her strength and authority are choices that are never easy, especially when the stakes are so high.' She added that working alongside Radhika Apte added 'another layer of tension to the narrative,' and expressed hope that 'audiences enjoy discovering the many sides of Bhavani as the story unfolds.'

Radhika Apte, reflecting on her portrayal of Rudra, noted, 'Rudra is someone who refuses to be defined by the circumstances she finds herself in. She is fierce, has her own ambitions, and is willing to challenge the established order.' Apte highlighted that the film's conflict 'isn't simply about who holds power; it's also about the different beliefs, loyalties, and personal stakes that drive each character,' calling it 'an absolute joy to share the screen with Keerthy in bringing their intense face-off to life.'

Ensemble Cast and Production

The film's ensemble cast includes Tanvi Azmi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Anshuman Pushkar, and Monica Panwar, among others. The project is a collaboration between YRF Entertainment and Netflix, positioning it for a release across India and international markets on the streaming platform.

Why 'Akka' Stands Out

The trailer arrives at a moment when female-led genre films — particularly action and crime dramas — have demonstrated strong audience traction on Indian streaming platforms. 'Akka' appears to lean into that momentum, presenting both leads as morally complex figures rather than archetypal heroes or villains. This comes amid a broader shift in Indian cinema where streaming-first releases backed by major production houses are increasingly targeting global Indian diaspora audiences alongside domestic viewers.