Yash Raj Films' new 80s‑era crime drama set in fictional Pernuru lands on Netflix on Oct 30, marking Keerthy Suresh’s OTT debut and Dharmaraj Shetty’s directorial bow.
The curtain lifts on Yash Raj Films' latest venture, a crime‑thriller series titled Akka, slated to hit Netflix on 30 October 2026. The announcement landed on Friday, confirming the OTT debut of Keerthy Suresh alongside Radhika Apte, and signalling the first directorial outing for writer Dharmaraj Shetty.
Set against the neon‑tinged streets of the fictional 1980s city of Pernuru, Akka builds its world around a family where women hold the reins of power. The sisters at the centre of the narrative enjoy an unshakable bond — until a shadowy figure arrives, sowing seeds of hatred and plotting revenge that threatens to split the household.
The series arrives as the third Yash Raj‑Netflix collaboration. The studio previously teamed up with the streaming giant for Railway Men (2023) and Mandala Murders (2025), both of which leaned into the thriller genre. With Akka, the banner pushes further into period storytelling, swapping the contemporary settings of its earlier projects for a retro backdrop that promises gritty visuals and a soundtrack steeped in 80s vibes.
For Keerthy Suresh, the project marks a notable shift. After a string of regional hits, including Dorothy (2026) and Baby John (2024). The actress steps onto the global streaming stage. Radhika Apte, fresh from the recently released Lust Stories 3, returns to the small screen, this time sharing the screen with a cast that includes veteran Tanvi Azmi, newcomer Aeklavya Tomer, and Nisha Vishwakarma.
Director‑to‑be Dharmaraj Shetty, who penned the series, says the story explores how power can both protect and poison familial ties. He told Filmfare that the antagonist’s motives are rooted in a personal vendetta against the sisters, a thread that will unravel through a series of calculated moves and betrayals.
The first‑look trailer, already live on Netflix’s official channel, offers a glimpse of the stylised 80s aesthetic: neon signs flicker, rain‑slicked alleys glisten, and the two leads exchange tense glances that hint at the looming conflict. Fans have taken to social media, praising the period detail while speculating about the identity of the mysterious adversary.
Industry watchers note that the October release positions Akka for a strong weekend viewership, sandwiched between the post‑Diwali film rush and the early‑winter binge season. If the series captures the same buzz as its Yash Raj predecessors, it could become a benchmark for Indian period thrillers on streaming platforms.
What’s next?
Netflix will roll out the series globally at midnight IST on the announced date. The platform has hinted at a promotional push across its Indian and international channels, and Yash Raj Films is expected to organise a virtual launch event featuring the lead cast. All eyes will be on the opening numbers, which will set the tone for the series’ run in a crowded OTT landscape.
Whether Akka can sustain its initial hype remains to be seen, but the combination of star power, a fresh directorial voice, and a nostalgic setting gives it a solid footing for a strong debut.
Stay tuned for post‑premiere reactions and viewership figures as they roll in.
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