Radhika Apte has spoken about the challenges faced by women-led films in Hindi cinema. She said that the actresses are almost forced to pick male-led projects for theatrical releases because of the uncertainty around box office. The actor, who is currently promoting her series ‘Akka’, believes only top stars like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone can hope to bring audiences to cinemas on their own strength.
Radhika Apte on female-led films
Radhika Apte’s last few films, ‘Lust Stories 3’, ‘Saali Mohabbat’, ‘Mrs Undercover’ and ‘Monica, O My Darling’, all premiered directly on streaming platforms. However, she said that the medium never decides which films she says yes to.“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’,” the actor told PTI in an interview.Radhika then explained why many women in the industry end up in films led by men. She said nobody has been able to tell what works in theatres in recent years.“With theatrical releases in the last few years, we don’t know what is working or what isn’t. 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,” Radhika Apte said.
What’s next for Radhika Apte
Radhika Apte is now gearing up for the release of ‘Akka’, a gangster drama set in the 1980s. The series also stars Keerthy Suresh in the lead and will premiere on Netflix on October 30.
