Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte come together for Akka, a Netflix crime thriller that explores power, loyalty, rivalry and the fight to protect a legacy. Set in a fictional South Indian kingdom during the 1980s, the series places two powerful women at the centre of a gangster world governed by its own traditions.
Produced by YRF Entertainment and written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, Akka premiered on Netflix on October 30, 2026. The five-episode series features Keerthy Suresh as Bhavani and Radhika Apte as Rudra, with Tanvi Azmi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Anshuman Pushkar and Monika Panwar among the supporting cast.
But does Akka deliver an engaging crime drama, or does its ambitious setting become more complicated than the story itself?
Here is a closer look at its premise, performances, storytelling, technical aspects and viewing experience.
Akka Review: What Is the Netflix Series About?
Akka is set in Pernuru, a fictional South Indian kingdom shaped by generations of women who built, governed and protected their society. Set during the 1980s, the story introduces a world where women occupy positions of authority and control an established power structure.
At the centre of this world is Bhavani, played by Keerthy Suresh. She is a powerful figure whose identity is closely connected to the legacy and traditions of Pernuru. Protecting that established order is not simply about maintaining authority. It also involves preserving relationships, loyalties and a system that has existed for generations.
However, the arrival of Rudra, portrayed by Radhika Apte, creates a serious challenge. She does not accept the existing structure and has ambitions that bring her into direct conflict with Bhavani.
Their confrontation gradually develops into a larger struggle involving power, revenge, loyalty and the future of Pernuru.
What makes the premise interesting is that Akka does not approach its gangster story through the usual male-dominated criminal world. Instead, it builds its conflict around women who control the system and are prepared to fight to protect their positions.
Keerthy Suresh as Bhavani: A Powerful Character
Keerthy Suresh is one of the biggest attractions of Akka.
As Bhavani, she plays a woman whose authority comes from her position within Pernuru and the legacy she is expected to protect. The character requires a balance of confidence, control and emotional complexity.
What makes Bhavani interesting is the responsibility attached to her power. She is not simply someone who wants to remain in control. Her decisions affect an entire community and the people connected to her.
Keerthy’s role also offers a different opportunity compared with many of her familiar film performances. The gangster setting allows her to explore a character who operates within a world of threats, difficult decisions and shifting loyalties.
Her scenes with Radhika Apte are particularly important because the central conflict depends on the difference between their characters and what each believes the future of Pernuru should look like.
For viewers discovering Keerthy through her more recent performances, Bhavani offers another opportunity to see her in a strong dramatic role.
Radhika Apte as Rudra: The Other Side of the Conflict
Radhika Apte plays Rudra, whose arrival threatens the established order in Pernuru.
Rather than simply functioning as an opposing character, Rudra represents a challenge to the traditions and authority that have shaped the kingdom.
Her ambitions create the central tension of the series. Bhavani is connected to an existing legacy, while Rudra is determined to challenge the system that protects it.
This difference gives the conflict a larger meaning. It is not only about which character controls the kingdom, but also about the beliefs, relationships and ambitions behind their decisions.
Radhika brings a different screen presence to the story, complementing Keerthy’s portrayal of Bhavani. Their contrasting approaches to power give the series its central dramatic attraction.
What Makes Akka Different From Other Indian Gangster Series?
The most distinctive element of Akka is its setting.
Indian crime dramas frequently explore gangs, political influence, family rivalries and criminal networks. Akka uses some familiar elements of the genre but places them inside a fictional society where women hold the central positions of power.
Pernuru is presented as a world with its own traditions, hierarchy and history. This gives the production a different visual identity from contemporary crime dramas set in familiar cities.
The 1980s setting also provides an opportunity to create a period atmosphere through costumes, locations, production design and the way characters interact with their surroundings.
The idea of a female-led gangster kingdom is an interesting starting point. However, the success of such a concept ultimately depends on whether the characters and their motivations receive enough attention.
Akka’s central rivalry provides that foundation, although viewers may have different reactions to how quickly the story develops its fictional world.
Akka Storytelling and Direction: What Works and What Could Be Better?
Dharmaraj Shetty takes on both writing and directing responsibilities for Akka.
One of the series’ strengths is its attempt to establish a complete fictional world rather than relying entirely on familiar gangster drama conventions. The history of Pernuru, its traditions and its internal power structure give the characters a wider setting in which to operate.
The relationship between Bhavani and Rudra is another important element. Their conflict creates questions about loyalty, inheritance, leadership and the consequences of challenging an established system.
However, extensive world-building can also become a challenge. When a series introduces several characters, competing interests and unfamiliar traditions, viewers need enough time to understand why these elements matter.
The effectiveness of the storytelling therefore depends on how well the narrative balances its larger ideas with the personal stories of its characters.
For viewers who enjoy crime dramas built around complicated relationships and power struggles, this approach may be appealing. Those expecting a straightforward action thriller may have different expectations.
What Works and What Doesn’t in Akka?
What works
- The central pairing of Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte.
- The unusual female-led gangster setting.
- The fictional kingdom of Pernuru and its traditions.
- The opportunity to explore power, loyalty and legacy.
- The period setting and production design.
What could be better
- The fictional world requires attention from viewers.
- Multiple characters and power relationships can make the narrative demanding.
- The pacing may not appeal to viewers expecting continuous action.
- Some character motivations could benefit from more development.
These points should be considered alongside the performances and the overall viewing experience rather than judging the series only by its premise.
Is Akka Available in Telugu on Netflix?
Yes. Netflix lists Telugu audio alongside Hindi, English, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada for Akka.
This is useful for Telugu-speaking viewers who prefer watching the series in their chosen language rather than relying on subtitles.
Before starting the series, open the Audio & Subtitles menu on Netflix and select Telugu audio if it is available for your account and region.
The original series is listed as a Hindi-language title, so it is more accurate to describe it as a Hindi original with Telugu dubbing rather than a Telugu-original web series.
Akka Episodes and Runtime: How Long Does It Take to Watch?
Akka has five episodes in its first season.
Here is the episode guide based on Netflix’s listing:
| Episode | Title | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Sisterhood | 46 minutes |
| 2 | Wounds and Scars | 32 minutes |
| 3 | A Challenge Wrapped in Blood | 30 minutes |
| 4 | A Heart Turned | 34 minutes |
| 5 | A Queen for All | 39 minutes |
The total viewing time is approximately three hours.
This makes Akka a relatively short series compared with longer crime dramas. Viewers can complete the first season over a weekend or in a few viewing sessions.
Who Should Watch Akka?
Akka may appeal to viewers who enjoy:
- Crime dramas built around power struggles.
- Female-led stories and strong central characters.
- Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte’s performances.
- Period dramas with fictional settings.
- Stories involving loyalty, revenge and family legacies.
- Indian OTT thrillers with a darker atmosphere.
It may be less suitable for viewers looking for a lighthearted family drama or a straightforward action series.
Netflix describes the show as gritty and violent, so viewers should also consider its mature content classification before watching.
Is Akka Worth Watching on Netflix?
Akka has an interesting foundation. Its fictional South Indian kingdom, female-led criminal power structure and central conflict between Bhavani and Rudra give it an identity that separates it from more conventional gangster dramas.
Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte are the major reasons the series attracts attention. Their characters represent different approaches to power, tradition and ambition, creating the conflict around which the story develops.
The series also offers a relatively short five-episode viewing experience, with Telugu audio available for viewers who prefer watching dubbed content.
However, an interesting premise alone does not guarantee an equally engaging narrative. The world-building, character development and pacing are important factors when deciding whether the series works as a complete crime thriller.
Final Verdict: Akka is an interesting addition to Netflix’s Indian crime-drama catalogue, particularly for viewers interested in Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Apte and female-led gangster stories. Its distinctive setting and central rivalry make it worth exploring, although the overall experience will depend on how viewers respond to its storytelling and pacing.
Akka Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akka a movie or a web series?
Akka is a five-episode Netflix web series, not a theatrical movie.
Is Akka available in Telugu?
Yes. Netflix lists Telugu among the available audio languages. Availability may depend on your region and account.
Who plays Bhavani in Akka?
Keerthy Suresh plays Bhavani, one of the central characters in the series.
Who plays Rudra in Akka?
Radhika Apte plays Rudra, whose arrival challenges the established power structure in Pernuru.
Who directed Akka?
Dharmaraj Shetty wrote and directed the series. It is his directorial debut.
Where can you watch Akka?
Akka is available on Netflix.
How many episodes are there in Akka?
The first season has five episodes, with a combined runtime of approximately three hours.
Is Akka based on a true story?
Pernuru is presented as a fictional kingdom. The series is an original gangster drama rather than a documented account of a real kingdom.
Is Akka suitable for family viewing?
Netflix classifies the series as TV-MA and describes it as violent and gritty. Parents should check the maturity classification and content before deciding whether it is appropriate for younger viewers.
