Alpha Review: A Spy Film Trying So Hard to Be Serious, It Becomes a Spoof

The Setup: Captain America, But Make It Bollywood

Set in 1999 after the Kargil War, Alpha introduces us to Colonel Fateh Singh Lakhawat (Bobby Deol), a man so committed to national security that he decides the Indian Army needs super-soldiers. His solution? A mysterious "Alpha serum" that gives people enhanced strength, reflexes, and recovery — basically the Bollywood version of the Super Soldier Serum, except instead of a shield, our hero gets... dance numbers[citation:7][citation:14].

When RAW chief Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor) injects his pregnant wife with the serum to save her life, his daughter Sita (Alia Bhatt) is born with enhanced abilities. Fateh, being the reasonable military man he is, decides the best course of action is to kidnap the baby, fake her death, and raise her as his personal killing machine. You know, standard mentorship[citation:7].

The Plot: So Predictable, My Chai Got Cold Waiting for a Twist

The film follows Sita as she grows into a genetically enhanced assassin who does what she's told — until she discovers Fateh has been lying to her about... everything. Shocking, I know. She teams up with her long-lost sister Durga (Sharvari), who was apparently raised in Spain eating tapas and doing flamenco or something, and together they plot to take down the man who created them[citation:4][citation:9].

The promotional campaign gave away basically the entire plot. The only remaining "mystery" is the obligatory Pakistani mole, because apparently every Bollywood spy film needs a visa check[citation:6][citation:14].

The film tries to blend Indian mythology with Marvel aesthetics. The result feels like someone watched The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and a random episode of CID, then threw them all into a blender and hoped for the best[citation:14].

Acting: Alia Tries, Bobby Surprises, Sharvari Deserves Better

Alia Bhatt deserves credit for her physical commitment. She trained hard, did her own stunts, and brings a genuinely interesting physicality to Sita — her expressive face makes every punch feel personal[citation:14]. The problem is the script gives her nothing to work with. She's supposed to be a cold, brainwashed assassin, but the film keeps interrupting her killing sprees with dance sequences that look like they were designed for Instagram Reels[citation:10][citation:18].

There's a scene where she frees a lab rat — a genuinely nice visual touch showing her humanity. Then two scenes later, she delivers a monologue about how she has no deeper feelings because she was raised as a lab rat herself. The film contradicts itself so often it feels like it's arguing with its own reflection[citation:18].

Bobby Deol is the film's MVP. His Colonel Fateh is genuinely unsettling — there's an innocence in his eyes that makes his sudden bursts of violence terrifyingly unpredictable[citation:14]. He deserves a better film.

Sharvari is reduced to a bubbly sidekick who occasionally gets to punch someone. She deserves better too[citation:10].

Anil Kapoor does what he can with a role that requires him to look important while delivering exposition about how important he is. There's a scene where someone tells him "Mossad chief wants to talk to you" just to establish that he's, you know, a big deal[citation:10].

The Hrithik Roshan Cameo: More Marketing Than Movie

Yes, Kabir from War shows up in a monastery, called "Monkji" (I wish I was joking), and helps the girls in a fight sequence that feels like a John Wick audition tape[citation:6][citation:14]. It's well-choreographed, sure, but it has zero emotional stakes. It's a cameo designed to make you cheer in the theater, not to serve the story. Even the film's own reviews note that YRF "totally wasted the Hrithik Roshan cameo impact"[citation:2].

What Works: The Action Is Actually Decent

Here's the frustrating part: the hand-to-hand combat sequences are genuinely well-shot. The film moves away from excessive wire-work and relies on grounded, visceral fights. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, avoiding the overly warm tones of previous Spy Universe entries[citation:2]. Director Shiv Rawail brings a more refined visual language to the franchise.

But polished action doesn't save a hollow story. It's like hiring Gordon Ramsay to make you a cheese toastie. The toastie might be perfectly grilled, but it's still just a cheese toastie.

The Verdict: A Spoof That Forgot It Was a Spoof

The biggest problem with Alpha is that it wants to be taken seriously. It wants to be a gritty, emotional spy thriller about stolen childhood and genetic experimentation. But the script is so riddled with clichés, convenient twists, and expository dialogue that it becomes unintentionally comedic[citation:10][citation:18].

"You could watch this if you have time to waste, or else watch Minions, which is way better"[citation:2].

For a film that cost ₹100 crore, Alpha only managed to gross about ₹99 crore worldwide — the lowest in the entire YRF Spy Universe[citation:9]. That's not a blockbuster. That's a warning sign.

Score: 2/5

Verdict: Skip. Watch Ballerina instead if you want a female-led spy action film. Or Atomic Blonde. Or literally anything else[citation:18].