India, Oct. 24 -- Actor Radhika Apte says female stars in Hindi cinema are almost compelled to appear in male-led films when it comes to theatrical releases because the uncertainty surrounding box office makes it difficult for female-led films to secure a strong theatrical release. The actor added that the only way a female-led film can even secure a good box-office opening is if it is headlined by top stars like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone.

Radhika, who is currently promoting her upcoming Netflix web series, Akka, has seen all of her last few films - Lust Stories 3, Saali Mohabbat, Mrs Undercover, and Monica, O My Darling - release directly on streaming. However, Radhika says she did not choose projects based on the medium.

"I don't...