Alpha public review: Alia Bhatt's spy thriller divides audiences on Day 1
Synopsis
Alpha, the seventh YRF Spy Universe film, opened to a split verdict on Day 1 — audiences praised Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol's performances but repeatedly flagged a thin plot and action overload. With word-of-mouth uncertain, the franchise's box office momentum faces its first real test.
Key Takeaways
Alpha , directed by Shiv Rawail , released on 3 July to a divided public response.
Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol 's performances were the most consistently praised elements.
A significant section of viewers criticised the film's story, direction, and music as weak.
Multiple audience members flagged that action sequences dominate roughly 90% of the runtime, according to viewer accounts.
Alpha is the seventh film in the YRF Spy Universe , produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films .
Alia Bhatt's much-anticipated spy thriller Alpha opened to a divided public response on 3 July, with audiences split down the middle on its story, direction, and action-heavy runtime. While performances — particularly by Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol — drew appreciation, the film's narrative and execution left a significant section of viewers cold.
What Audiences Said
Positive reactions centred on the lead performances. One moviegoer noted, 'I liked the film. In the beginning, I didn't like it much, but slowly the story got interesting. Bobby performed very well.' Another added, 'I really liked the movie. All the actors performed well. Bobby performed very well. Alia Bhatt's acting was also good. Both halves were good. I really liked the title track.'
Critics in the audience, however, were sharper in their verdict. One viewer said, 'I saw the movie Alpha, but I didn't like it much. The name of the movie was too big. That's why I came to see the movie. But the story of the movie is not good at all.' Another remarked, 'I didn't like the movie. Don't expect too much from the movie. Alpha is a spy movie. But when you watch the movie, you won't feel that you are watching a spy universe.'
The Action Problem
A recurring criticism was the film's near-relentless focus on action at the expense of plot. One audience member put it bluntly: 'The fighting is meaningless. 90% of the movie is fighting. It's meaningless. I don't think the movie will run. And the plot is also bad. The direction is very weak. The music is also not good.' This sentiment — that spectacle overshadowed story — appeared consistently across negative reviews.
About the Film
Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, Alpha is the seventh installment in the YRF Spy Universe. The film stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol. Its central plot follows an assassin attempting to dismantle her stepfather's covert illegal soldier programme, only to face a rival assassin in the process.
Early Box Office Outlook
The divided audience verdict on opening day raises questions about the film's box office trajectory. The YRF Spy Universe has previously delivered blockbusters, making Alpha's mixed reception a notable data point for the franchise's momentum. Word-of-mouth — historically decisive for big-budget Hindi films — appears uncertain at this stage.
Point of View
But audience feedback this time suggests a growing fatigue with action-first, story-second filmmaking. Alia Bhatt's casting was a bold pivot — a female-led spy film is still rare in mainstream Hindi cinema — yet if the script doesn't hold up, the novelty wears off fast. The real question is whether YRF course-corrects on narrative depth for future instalments, or doubles down on the formula that critics are now openly calling hollow.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alpha and who stars in it?
Alpha is a Bollywood spy thriller directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. It stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol, and is the seventh film in the YRF Spy Universe.
How did audiences react to Alpha on its opening day?
Audience reactions were sharply divided. While many praised Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol's performances, a significant portion criticised the film's storyline, direction, and music, with several viewers feeling the plot was weak and the runtime dominated by action sequences.
What are the main criticisms of Alpha?
The most common criticisms centre on a thin plot, weak direction, and an overreliance on action — with some viewers estimating that fight sequences make up roughly 90% of the film. Several audience members also said the film failed to deliver the feel of a spy universe despite its billing.
What did audiences like about Alpha?
Positive viewers highlighted Alia Bhatt's action-packed performance and Bobby Deol's convincing portrayal of a negative role. Some also appreciated the title track and said the film improved as it progressed.
Is Alpha part of a larger franchise?
Yes, Alpha is the seventh installment in the YRF Spy Universe, a franchise that includes earlier hits produced by Yash Raj Films. The film's story follows an assassin targeting her stepfather's illegal soldier programme.
