Mumbai: Netflix has unveiled the teaser of Akka, its upcoming series starring Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte, confirming that the show will premiere on October 30, 2026. Set in the 1980s, the series explores a fictional kingdom shaped by generations of powerful women, with traditions, rivalries and shifting power dynamics forming the backdrop.
The teaser, released on October 17 to coincide with Keerthy Suresh’s birthday, introduces the actors as Bhavani and Rudra, respectively. Produced by YRF Entertainment, Akka is described as a gangster saga centred on women who have built, governed and protected Pernuru, a kingdom that operates according to its own rules.
Written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, the series marks his directorial debut. The cast also includes Tanvi Azmi.
Akka teaser introduces a kingdom ruled by women
The teaser offers a glimpse into Pernuru, a fictional setting where generations of women have established and defended their authority. Rather than presenting a conventional crime narrative, the series appears to explore how power is maintained, challenged and passed down within a tightly controlled world.
Set in the 1980s, Akka brings together elements of crime, family dynamics and political rivalry. The kingdom’s traditions appear central to its identity, while the teaser hints at tensions that could challenge the existing order.
Bhavani, played by Keerthy Suresh, and Rudra, portrayed by Radhika Apte, are introduced as two central figures whose contrasting perspectives are expected to shape the narrative. Their relationship appears to be an important part of the series, although the teaser does not reveal the full extent of their rivalry or the events that bring them into conflict.
The gangster saga format also gives the makers an opportunity to explore a world where influence is determined by established hierarchies and the ability to protect one’s position. With Pernuru presented as a kingdom governed by its own rules, the story appears set to examine the consequences of challenging its power structures.
The teaser keeps the details of the plot under wraps, offering viewers an introduction to the setting and principal characters ahead of the series’ release.
Keerthy Suresh describes Bhavani as a memorable character
For Keerthy Suresh, Akka marks her first series with Netflix and YRF Entertainment. The actor said the teaser’s release on her birthday made the occasion particularly meaningful.
“The love I receive from the audience every year makes this day incredibly meaningful, and being able to celebrate it by unveiling the teaser of Akka, a project so close to my heart, feels truly special,” she said.
Speaking about Bhavani, Keerthy described the role as one of the most distinctive characters she has had the opportunity to portray.
“Bhavani is one of the most unique and memorable characters I have had the opportunity to play. It was lovely working with Radhika. Our characters bring such compelling dynamics to the story and the interplay between them adds an intriguing edge to the narrative,” she added.
Her comments suggest that the relationship between Bhavani and Rudra will be central to the series. Their differing approaches and motivations could provide much of the drama as the story unfolds within Pernuru.
Keerthy also said the setting and the distinctiveness of the story were among the factors that attracted her to the project.
“What drew me to this project was the distinctiveness of its story and the world it inhabits. I am looking forward to audiences immersing themselves in this world and discovering the many facets of Bhavani as her story unfolds,” she said.
The series gives the actor an opportunity to explore a character within a period crime drama, adding another role to her work across Indian cinema and streaming entertainment.
Radhika Apte on playing Rudra
Radhika Apte plays Rudra, a character she describes as being driven by personal convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her.
“Rudra is a fascinating character, driven by her own convictions and an instinct to challenge the world around her. What drew me to the series was the complexity of its characters and the tensions that emerge from their differing perspectives,” Radhika said.
Her description points to a character who may question established authority and confront the expectations governing Pernuru. Combined with Keerthy’s portrayal of Bhavani, Rudra’s presence appears likely to introduce competing ideas about power and control.
Radhika also welcomed the timing of the teaser and release-date announcement, which coincided with Keerthy’s birthday.
“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,” she said.
The actor further spoke about her experience working with YRF Entertainment on the project.
“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 added.
Radhika’s comments highlight the character-driven approach of the series, with the tensions between its principal figures appearing to be as important as the criminal world in which they operate.
Dharmaraj Shetty makes his directorial debut
Akka is written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, making it his first project as a director. The series brings together a period setting, a fictional kingdom and a crime-driven narrative centred on women and their influence.
YRF Entertainment is producing the show, which also features Tanvi Azmi. The production’s focus on Pernuru creates a setting in which traditions and power structures appear to influence both personal relationships and wider conflicts.
The 1980s backdrop distinguishes the series from contemporary crime dramas, while the fictional nature of the kingdom gives the creators room to establish their own social and political order.
Further details about the supporting characters and the complete storyline have not yet been revealed. The teaser serves primarily to introduce the principal characters, establish the setting and announce the premiere date.
Akka to stream on Netflix from October 30
With its teaser now released, Akka is preparing for its Netflix debut on October 30, 2026. The series brings together Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte in leading roles, supported by Tanvi Azmi, under the direction of Dharmaraj Shetty.
Its premise combines a women-led gangster saga with a period setting and a fictional kingdom shaped by generations of women. The central dynamic between Bhavani and Rudra is expected to be a key part of the narrative, although the makers have kept the larger conflict undisclosed.
The series will offer audiences an opportunity to discover Pernuru and its competing power structures when all the details of the story begin to unfold on screen. For now, the teaser has established the tone, introduced its central characters and confirmed the October 30 premiere.