Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 16 hrs ago
Radhika Apte says women often need male-led films for theatrical releases
Radhika Apte says female actors often take roles in male-led Hindi films because theatrical releases can be hard to sell without a likely box-office draw.
She says a female-led film may struggle to open in cinemas even if it is very good.
Apte believes Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone can give such films a better chance of a strong opening.
She said she does not choose projects based on whether they will be released in cinemas or online, and prefers that they reach audiences somehow.
Several of her recent films went straight to streaming, though she said the release format was not her choice.
The issue matters because box-office uncertainty can shape which stories get theatrical releases and who leads them.
Apte is promoting *Akka*, a 1980s-set gangster series starring Keerthy Suresh, which is set to premiere on Netflix on October 30.
Radhika Apte says women in Hindi cinema often need to appear in male-led films to secure theatrical releases.
She says box-office uncertainty makes it difficult for female-led films to get a strong theatrical opening.
Apte said top stars such as Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone may be able to draw an opening for a female-led film.
She said she does not choose projects based on whether they will be released in cinemas or on streaming.
Apte is promoting the Netflix series Akka, which is set to premiere on October 30.
- Who
- Actor Radhika Apte.
- What
- She said women often have to appear in male-led films to get theatrical releases.
- When
- In an interview with PTI; the publication date was October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Hindi cinema.
- Why
- Box-office uncertainty makes it difficult for female-led films to secure a strong theatrical opening.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apte said uncertainty about which films will succeed at the box office has affected theatrical releases.
Hindustan Times published Apte’s comments in an interview with PTI.
Apte’s Netflix series Akka is set to premiere.
- Actor
- Radhika Apte
- Interview outlet
- PTI
- Upcoming series
- Akka
- Series platform
- Netflix
- Premiere date
- October 30
3 sources
What people are saying
I don't take a project based on whether it's theatrical or OTT. I don't really care about it. There are so many business decisions dependent on that; I'd rather be like 'let the film come out one way or another'
A theatrical release where I am the lead would probably tank even if it's the best film. I don't have that, like generally, I'm not an Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone where you can, at least, hope that they'll be opening. I'm being very honest with you. That means I have to be in a film where men are doing the main part