Alia Bhatt emerges as the undisputed highlight in "Alpha," the newest addition to Yash Raj Films’ ambitious Spy Universe, though the film itself struggles to find its footing, ultimately delivering an underwhelming experience. Released on July 3, 2026, the movie attempts to blend high-octane action with a deeply emotional narrative, a combination that critics suggest often dilutes its impact as a spy thriller.

The story centers on Sita, portrayed by Bhatt, a child kidnapped and rigorously trained to become an assassin under Colonel Lakhawat, played by Bobby Deol. Her mission for revenge takes an unexpected turn, leading to a complex web of family secrets and personal fallout. While Bhatt’s portrayal of Sita on a relentless killing spree keeps the audience engaged, the film frequently veers into melodramatic territory, losing its momentum.

Bhatt’s performance is consistently praised for its agility and conviction in the action sequences. She executes stunt choreography with remarkable ease and embodies the physicality required for the role, proving herself a formidable action star. However, the narrative’s reliance on emotional detours, particularly when the action pauses, often feels forced and fails to justify the screen time it consumes. The inclusion of characters like Dia Mirza’s Janki, wife of RAW Chief Vikrant Luthra (Anil Kapoor), and Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s scientist, further amplifies the melodrama, overshadowing the core espionage elements.

"Alpha" is plagued by an uneven screenplay that oscillates between a spy thriller and an emotionally charged family drama. The plot introduces a barrage of twists, many of which aim for shock value rather than genuine intrigue, leading to an exhausting viewing experience. Themes of a dead mother, a stolen childhood, a guilt-ridden father, and a haunted sister are explored with maximum emotional volume, making it arguably the most overtly emotional film in the Spy Universe, often at the expense of its thrilling premise.

One notable aspect the film gets right is its avoidance of a romantic subplot, a decision that serves the female-led narrative well. Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, who plays Durga, are depicted as independent and capable women, making their own decisions and fighting their own battles. This strength, however, is undermined by the film’s problematic sexualisation of Sharvari, featuring gratuitous bikini shots and revealing combat attire that critics argue serve no narrative purpose and cater to the male gaze, contradicting the film’s purported message of female empowerment.

The supporting cast, despite big names, largely fails to elevate the film. Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of the RAW chief offers little beyond generic dialogue, while Bobby Deol, as Colonel Lakhawat, attempts to replicate his intimidating persona from previous roles but lacks substantial writing to support it. Even Hrithik Roshan’s cameo as Kabir Dhaliwal feels like a last-minute addition, designed for audience applause rather than contributing meaningfully to the plot, highlighting a potential issue of franchise maintenance over coherent storytelling.

Director Shiv Rawail, in his debut feature, manages to deliver a more coherent film than some of its predecessors in the universe, such as "War 2." There are flashes of ambition and well-executed action sequences that hint at the film’s potential. "Alpha" also earns credit for directly naming Pakistan in its cross-border operations, a refreshing departure from the euphemisms often used in similar films, though this clarity isn’t fully explored with conviction.

Ultimately, "Alpha" struggles to define its identity within the YRF Spy Universe. While Alia Bhatt carries much of the film’s weight, her strong performance cannot compensate for an inconsistent screenplay that loses its focus on espionage and thrill. The film attempts to prove it has a heart but, in doing so, often forgets to maintain the pulse expected of a spy thriller, leaving audiences with a sense that it barely survives as a ‘cub’ rather than emerging as the ‘alpha’ it aspired to be. The mixed reception raises questions about the future direction and narrative consistency of the expanding YRF Spy Universe.