Alpha review: Alia Bhatt and Sharvari deliver a slick spy thriller that entertains 

Alpha is a Hindi action thriller directed by Shiv Rawail in his feature film debut and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. Written by Soumil Shukla, Shridhar Raghavan, Ishita Moitra, and Uday Chopra, it marks the seventh installment in the YRF Spy Universe and the franchise’s first female-led spy thriller. 

The story revolves around Colonel Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor) and his pregnant wife Janki (Dia Mirza), who is diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. When doctors recommend terminating the pregnancy, Vikrant turns to an experimental serum developed by his ambitious junior, Fateh (Bobby Deol). The treatment saves both mother and child initially, but tragedy soon strikes. Janki dies during childbirth, the newborn disappears, and a chain of secrets sets the stage for the events that follow. 

As an origin story, Alpha works well as a commercial spy thriller. The concept of a girl raised in captivity as part of a scientific experiment offers enough intrigue to keep the narrative engaging.  

Shiv Rawail stages the action with style, delivering slick visuals and well-executed set pieces. While the emotional family drama could have been explored in greater depth and feels slightly rushed due to the film’s runtime, the screenplay maintains a steady pace. The background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara further elevates the action sequences. 

Alia Bhatt is undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength. She fully commits to the role, convincingly portraying a genetically enhanced operative while bringing emotional depth to the character. Her performance ensures that even the action-heavy moments feel personal and impactful.  

Sharvari is equally impressive, showcasing a refreshing new avatar and matching Alia’s intensity throughout the film. Anil Kapoor lends authority to his role, Bobby Deol makes for an effective antagonist with his restrained yet menacing presence, and Dia Mirza leaves a lasting impression despite her limited screen time. 

The criticism surrounding Alpha feels somewhat exaggerated. The film is neither the disappointment some feared nor the game-changing addition the YRF Spy Universe was hoping for. Viewed as a straightforward commercial action entertainer rather than compared with the franchise’s biggest successes, Alpha delivers an enjoyable theatrical experience.  

Powered by confident performances from Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, supported by Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and an impactful cameo by Hrithik Roshan, the film succeeds in offering a solid dose of action and entertainment. 

Rating: 3/5