An interesting aspect of Akka is its exploration of matriarchy within the world of gang wars. Director Dharmaraj Shetty does a fine job in creating two badass women especially Keerthy Suresh, the series also has a strong subplot exploring caste and socio-economic divide. but Akka doesn’t achieve its full potential; a major reason for that is an overstuffed screenplay. Also, the male characters needed better fleshing.
Starcast: Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Apte, Tanvi Azmi, Vishak Nair and others
Genre: Crime/drama
Writer and director: Dharmaraj Shetty
Cinematography: Selva Kumar SK
Producers: Aditya Chopra, Yogendra Mogre and Akshay Widhani
Production house: YRF
No of episodes: 5
Streaming site: Netflix
Stories exploring gang wars are nothing new; but in general, it’s about the men being presented in a badass manner with the women being reduced to love interests/damsel in distress. Akka streaming on Netflix though is a different beast. The show uses a crime drama set up as a base for exploring matriarchy with its pros and cons. This is something which I will get to later. The story of Akka primarily revolves around a fictional town called Pernuru. This place is divided into three regions and each of them is governed by a powerful woman leader. How the arrival of Radhika Apte’s Rudra temporarily disrupts this and her reasons for revenge forms the core premise of Akka.
As already mentioned Akka’s strongest point is its exploration of matriarchy with its pros and cons. This has been captured well in numerous sequences. On one hand the place of Pernuru gives a strong independence and authority. At the same time equal restrictions are there with marriage not being recognized. Also, the rules governing relationships and succession leave little space for individual choices.
The romantic subplot between Keerthy Suresh Bhavani and Vishak Nair’s Nanda perfectly represents the above-mentioned theme. Bhavani and Nanda are deep in love, but when it comes to marriage the restrictions of Pernuru become a major obstacle; this ultimately becomes a major reason for the two splitting. Vishak Nair gets the best role among the male cast, and he does a very fine job in portraying Nanda’s love as well as the feelings of being betrayed.
The history of Pernuru with its elaborate set up has its pluses and minuses. The plus point is detailed description of Pernuru with its history, beliefs and political dynamics among others. There is a lived-in feel to the proceedings; at the same time the elaborate details feel like a long history lecture.
Along with matriarchy Dharmaraj Shetty also deserves credit for shaping up rivalry between Bhavani and Rudra well. Rudra’s reasons for being consumed with revenge is compelling making her a worthy antagonist. Of course, her explanation at the same time don’t justify children becoming a collateral damage. Radhika Apte plays the part with the required fire especially her body language.
There is also an important subplot of caste, this comes through scenes featuring oppressed caste tribal communities. The ruling class represented through the clan of Bhavani have exploited certain communities. This aspect at one point becomes an important reason for Rudra finding supporters.
The cinematography of Selva Kumar SK is simply top notch. The way he captures Pernuru with all its shades adds to the lived-in feel apart from Laxmi Kelsur’s production design.
After a short but impactful role in Dorothy Keerthy Suresh successfully presents a different facet of her in Akka. The actress does a very fine job in portraying Bhavani’s emotional vulnerability underneath the tough exterior. Tanvi Azmi too lends gravity as a senior matriarch.
Final word: Akka is flawed but an interesting watch especially for those who want to see women in crime.
