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.
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.
Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.
The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.
The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting
Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.
Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.
Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.
Deepika and Ranveer’s family
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.
The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.
The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.
Ajay Devgn faces new challenges
The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.
This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.
The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.
Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh
Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.
Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.
Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast
Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.
Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.
Drishyam The Conclusion release date
Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.
The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.
Musician Bhagirath Bhatt breaks silence on Bigg Boss 20 entry, says not going
Musician and sitarist Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not participate in Bigg Boss 20, citing his preference for calm music and peaceful surroundings.
Sitarist and music composer Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not be participating in Bigg Boss 20, putting an end to speculation about his possible entry into the reality show.
Bhatt addressed the questions he had been receiving from followers on social media and thanked them for their interest. However, he made it clear that he is not part of the upcoming season.
Bhagirath Bhatt explains why he is not joining Bigg Boss 20
In an Instagram Story, Bhatt said that he does not think he is suited to a show like Bigg Boss. He explained that his personality is more aligned with calm and peaceful surroundings.
The musician said he is not someone who can shout or create unnecessary noise and described himself as a believer in calm music. He added that peaceful music has always been a source of inspiration for him.
His clarification came after his name had been circulating in discussions about possible contestants for Bigg Boss 20.
Bhagirath Bhatt’s work in films and series
Bhagirath Bhatt is known for his work as a sitarist and music composer. According to the report, he has worked on films including Padmaavat, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Border 2.
He has also been associated with projects such as Bandish Bandits and Heeramandi.
Meanwhile, the makers of Bigg Boss 20 are yet to officially reveal the complete contestant list. The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 6 at 9 PM.
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