Alpha Movie Review: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari’s spy thriller is a slow burn pre-interval; Flame intensifies post interval

Plot
The word Alpha has long been associated with masculine dominance, but YRF's latest Spy Universe installment flips that idea on its head. Fronted by Alia Bhatt (Sita), Sharvari (Durga), Bobby Deol (Colonel Fateh Singh), and Anil Kapoor (Yashwant Kaul), Alpha tells the story of two women entrusted with a mission to protect the nation.

As they battle a formidable enemy, the film gradually reveals how their destinies are intertwined. Their journey is filled with emotional baggage, personal sacrifices, and high-stakes action, making Alpha more than just another espionage thriller. While the premise is intriguing, the execution doesn't always match its ambition.

What Works
The biggest strength of Alpha lies in watching Alia Bhatt and Sharvari dominate the screen with confidence. Seeing the two women take down hordes of men through beautifully choreographed action sequences is immensely satisfying. Their action scenes feel grounded, stylish, and technically well-executed.

The 20 minutes leading up to the interval are easily the film's strongest stretch. The narrative finally finds momentum, the tension builds organically, and the interval twist leaves you eagerly waiting to uncover the mystery that unfolds in the second half.

The direction, cinematography, and production design deserve appreciation for making this world feel believable despite its larger-than-life setting. The attention to detail enhances the viewing experience and gives the film a polished, slick visual appeal.

One of the film's biggest strengths is the emotional bond between the siblings, which develops organically instead of feeling forced. Their relationship lends emotional weight to an otherwise action-heavy narrative.

The film also deserves credit for portraying its female protagonists as both vulnerable and fiercely capable. Their styling stays consistent with the Spy Universe aesthetic, black tops, cargo pants, and tactical gear, but never feels like mere glamour. As a woman, I found myself admiring not just their confidence but also the incredible physical transformation both actors have undergone. Interestingly, Alia Bhatt's screen presence often reminds you of Katrina Kaif's iconic Spy Universe outings.

The background score effectively amplifies several crucial moments, making the action and emotional beats land with greater impact.

What Doesn't Work
Where Alpha falters is its screenplay. While the premise is refreshing, the writing often feels underdeveloped.The first half takes too long to establish an emotional connection between the audience and its central characters, making it difficult to fully invest in their journey initially. Some dialogues feel dated, and a few action sequences demand far too much suspension of disbelief.

The climax, despite being the emotional and narrative high point of the film, overstays its welcome. What begins as an exhilarating finale gradually becomes prolonged, reducing its overall impact.

Another issue is the familiarity of the Spy Universe template. While the universe continues to expand, many of its narrative beats now feel repetitive, making certain twists easier to predict. Even the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression, especially when compared to the memorable music of previous Spy Universe films.

Watch the trailer here:

Performances
Alia Bhatt once again proves why she remains one of the finest performers of her generation. The hard work she has put into the action sequences is visible in every frame. Whether it's the physicality of combat or expressing layered emotions through subtle facial expressions, Alia delivers a convincing and commanding performance. As Sita, she carries the film with confidence and conviction.

Sharvari turns out to be the film's biggest surprise. From her body language and posture while handling arms to the intensity she brings to emotionally charged scenes, she carries herself like a seasoned action star. She matches Alia beat for beat and leaves a lasting impression with both her screen presence and performance.

Bobby Deol is suitably menacing as Colonel Fateh Singh. He brings the required intensity and menace to the antagonist's role.

Anil Kapoor lends authority and gravitas to Yashwant Kaul. While his role isn't particularly expansive, his experience ensures that every scene he appears in carries weight.

Final Verdict
Watching two women lead a franchise that has so far been dominated by male spies is genuinely empowering. Alpha successfully establishes Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as worthy additions to the YRF Spy Universe, even if the screenplay doesn't consistently support their efforts.

Expect stylish action, some genuinely exciting plot twists, and the trademark cameos that have become synonymous with the franchise. Above all, Alpha reinforces one thing YRF has always excelled at, creating memorable female protagonists. From Chandni to Sita and Durga, the studio continues to present women who are elegant, resilient, and unforgettable, making audiences once again say, "Ek baar YRF ki heroine banna hai." (I want to become a YRF heroine once in my life).

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity. 

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