Radhika Apte on box office uncertainty surrounding female-led films: 'I’m not an Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone where you can, at least, hope that they’ll be opening; I have to be in a film where men are doing the main part'

Radhika Apte has pointed out that actresses in Hindi cinema often have little choice but to take on roles in male-led films if they want to be part of theatrical releases, since box office unpredictability makes it hard for female-led projects to get a solid release. According to the actor, a woman-led film can only hope for a strong opening if it stars big names such as Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone.Radhika Apte on theatrical vs OTT releasesApte is currently promoting her upcoming web series 'Akka'. Her last few films, including 'Lust Stories 3', 'Saali Mohabbat', 'Mrs Undercover', and 'Monica', 'O My Darling', all premiered directly on streaming. The actor, however, says the medium never drives her choice of projects. “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’,” she told PTI in an interview.Radhika further noted that actresses often end up in male-led films because of box-office concerns. Speaking candidly, she said, “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's work frontRadhika Apte’s next project is 'Akka', which also features Keerthy Suresh. The series is set to stream on Netflix from October 30.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!