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Alpha movie review: Alia Bhatt powers through an entertaining but familiar spy spectacle

Alia Bhatt impresses with her action-packed performance in Alpha, but a predictable script and familiar superhero-inspired narrative stop the YRF Spy Universe film from becoming truly memorable.

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3 weeks ago

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Alpha review

The YRF Spy Universe expands once again with Alpha, marking the franchise’s first female-led action film. After years of male spies dominating the cinematic universe, Alia Bhatt steps into the spotlight as Sita, a genetically enhanced operative entrusted with carrying an ambitious action entertainer almost entirely on her shoulders. While the actor succeeds in making the character memorable through her energetic screen presence and committed action performance, the film’s predictable storyline prevents it from reaching its full potential.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha combines large-scale action, espionage and superhero-style storytelling. However, despite its impressive visuals and action choreography, the film struggles to offer a fresh narrative in an increasingly crowded spy franchise.

Alia Bhatt delivers one of the film’s biggest strengths

Alia Bhatt undergoes a convincing physical transformation for the role and brings an expressive quality rarely seen in mainstream action heroes. Instead of maintaining a stoic expression throughout combat sequences, she allows her emotions to surface, making every confrontation feel personal.

Her character, Sita, balances confidence, wit and emotional vulnerability. As an orphan raised under extraordinary circumstances, she carries emotional scars beneath her fearless exterior, and Alia effectively captures both sides of the character.

The emotional depth she adds helps elevate scenes that otherwise rely heavily on stylised action.

Familiar story limits the excitement

Despite its promising premise, Alpha follows a storyline that feels heavily inspired by familiar superhero films. Written by Uday Chopra, Shridhar Raghavan and Ishita Moitra, the narrative blends elements of Indian mythology with comic-book style storytelling but offers few genuine surprises.

The story follows Fateh, played by Bobby Deol, a military officer who develops a secret project to create genetically enhanced super soldiers using a serum known as Alpha. After the experiment fails, circumstances lead to the serum being injected into the unborn daughter of Kaul’s wife, altering the child’s genetics before birth.

That child eventually grows up to become Sita, a highly trained operative raised under Fateh’s control.

While the concept has potential, much of the film’s central mystery is revealed through its promotional campaign, leaving only a few surprises for audiences during the actual film.

Action sequences remain consistently engaging

Where Alpha truly succeeds is in its action. The hand-to-hand combat sequences are choreographed with intensity and supported by an energetic background score that keeps the momentum alive.

Sharvari proves to be an equally capable action performer, matching Alia’s intensity in both emotional and combat scenes. Their chemistry suggests an engaging partnership, although the screenplay does not spend enough time exploring their relationship before moving on to larger action set-pieces involving gunfights and helicopters.

Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor add dramatic weight

The supporting cast significantly strengthens the film.

Bobby Deol makes a commanding antagonist whose calm demeanour contrasts effectively with sudden bursts of violence. His restrained performance makes Fateh an intimidating villain, although the screenplay stops short of giving him a deeper emotional backstory.

Anil Kapoor also leaves a solid impression as Kaul, bringing authority and emotional conviction to his scenes. Together, both actors provide much-needed dramatic weight that helps compensate for the screenplay’s shortcomings.

Verdict

Alpha delivers polished action, committed performances and slick production values, but its familiar superhero-inspired plot prevents it from becoming one of the strongest entries in the YRF Spy Universe. Alia Bhatt leads confidently, Sharvari proves to be an impressive action partner, while Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor elevate the material whenever they appear. However, the franchise may need fresher storytelling if it hopes to keep audiences invested beyond the spectacle.

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Vijay’s last film Jana Nayagan poised for massive opening, Rs 100 crore business expected on Day 1

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3 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to make a record-breaking start at the box office, with trade analysts predicting an opening-day collection of around Rs 100 crore worldwide.

If the prediction proves accurate, the film could surpass the opening-day collections of blockbuster films such as Jailer, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), and Pathaan, making it one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan was Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics. The movie also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 23, 2026.

Advance bookings for Jana Nayagan have shown an overwhelming response in India and overseas. Trade reports indicate that the film has sold more than 6.45 lakh tickets in advance, generating over Rs 16 crore in pre-sales across India. Industry analysts note that the advance booking figure is still lower than those of Vijay’s earlier blockbuster releases, Leo and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

The excitements surrounding Jana Nayagan is driven not only by Vijay’s popularity but also by the emotional significance of it being his last film. Fans have been booking first-day-first-show tickets in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Trade experts believe that if positive audience reviews and word-of-mouth follow the release, Jana Nayagan could become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.

As of now, the film is gearing up for its July 23 release, with distributors and exhibitors expecting packed theatres across the country. Whether Jana Nayagan crosses the Rs 100 crore mark on its opening day and breaks the records of Jailer and GOAT, and Pathaan will become clear once box-office figures are released after its premiere.

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FIFA World Cup final halftime show divides fans despite stars

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5 days ago

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July 20, 2026

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FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the world. While the announcement of stars Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS generated excitement, many supporters questioned whether a concert-style performance belongs in football’s biggest event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the small hours of Monday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA held an entertainment show during halftime, similar to the Super Bowl tradition in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the halftime show was intended to make the World Cup final a larger global entertainment event and attract a wider audience. The performance featured internationally recognized artists, including Shakira, known for her iconic World Cup songs Waka Waka and La La La, former boy wonder Justin Bieber along with pop legend Madonna and South Korean music group BTS. FIFA said the event will celebrate football, music, and culture on one stage.

However, the announcement has divided fans and football experts. Many welcomed the idea, saying it would make the final more entertaining and help attract younger audiences. They said the presence of world-famous artists will increase the tournament’s global appeal and create an unforgettable experience for spectators.

Others, including seminal punk rock band The Cure frontman Robert Smith, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that football traditions should not be changed. Critics fear that extending the halftime break for a concert could affect players’ physical rhythm, preparation, and match intensity. Some fans also said the focus should remain on the sport rather than celebrity performances.

FIFA assured that the performance was carefully planned to avoid disrupting the match while maintaining high production standards. Security, stage setup, and broadcast arrangements were also coordinated to ensure a smooth event.

As of now, the halftime show remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final apart from the boorish behavior of the Argentine squad.

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Telugu cinema bags nine honours at 72nd National Film Awards as Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 shine

Telugu cinema secured nine honours at the 72nd National Film Awards, with Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa 2: The Rule, Committee Kurrollu, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu and Lucky Baskhar emerging among the key winners.

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7 days ago

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July 19, 2026

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The Telugu film industry emerged as one of the standout performers at the 72nd National Film Awards, securing a total of nine honours for films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

Leading the tally was director Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, which received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film also earned Best Production Design for Nitin Zihani Choudhary, whose work brought to life the contrasting worlds of Kasi, Shambala and the futuristic Complex.

Pushpa 2 earns screenplay and costume design honours

Director Sukumar’s blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule added two National Awards to its achievements. Sukumar won Best Original Screenplay, while costume designers Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma were honoured with the Best Costume Design award for their work on the film.

The film was among the biggest commercial successes of 2024 and was recognised for its storytelling and visual presentation.

Lucky Baskhar and 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu receive national recognition

Director Venky Atluri received the Best Dialogue Writer award for Lucky Baskhar, starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role.

Meanwhile, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani, was named Best Children’s Film. Child actor Arundev was honoured as Best Child Artist, sharing the award with Riddhiman Banerjee, Topomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty (for Onko Ki Kothin) and Athish S. Shetty (for Mithya).

Committee Kurrollu wins Best Telugu Film

Debut director Yadhu Vamsi’s Committee Kurrollu was recognised as the Best Telugu Film at the awards. The nostalgic drama, produced by Niharika Konidela, also earned P. Ravi Kumar the Best Make-Up Artist award.

Following the announcement, the teams behind the award-winning films expressed their gratitude to the National Film Awards jury and audiences through social media posts celebrating the recognition.

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