The trailer of Alpha is finally out, and it has immediately become one of the most discussed Bollywood releases of the year. Positioned as the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe, the movie stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh in the lead roles, with Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and a special appearance by Hrithik Roshan.
Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha attempts to take the franchise in a different direction by focusing on the origin story of a female assassin. The trailer introduces Sita, played by Alia Bhatt, who is trained from childhood by Bobby Deol. As the story progresses, she finds herself betrayed by the very system that created her and eventually turns against it.
Alia is seen performing intense action sequences, handling weapons, and embracing a darker, more aggressive character than audiences are used to seeing from her. The dialogue “Sita aaj Lanka khud jalane aayi hai” has already gone viral. This dialogue tells that makers are trying to flip Ramayana’s story. But this dialogue has the potential to become a meme in the coming days.
The other major surprise is Sharvari Wagh. The trailer finally reveals her character in full force. Her action sequences, screen presence, and confrontations with Alia might impress the masses.
The biggest whistle-worthy moment, however, arrives at the end. Hrithik Roshan’s brief appearance effectively confirms Alpha’s deeper connection with the YRF Spy Universe and hints at future crossovers.
However, not everyone is impressed.
A section of social media feels the trailer looks too familiar. Despite the female-led angle, the action set pieces, visual style, and overall treatment resemble Pathaan, War, and other YRF spy films. Some viewers have also questioned the repeated use of mythological references such as Sita, Lanka, and Agnipariksha, arguing that they feel more like marketing devices than organic storytelling elements.
Another backlash revolves around Alia Bhatt herself. Many feel she lacks the rugged screen presence required for a hardened assassin. Comparisons with Katrina Kaif’s action performances in the Tiger franchise have already started on social media.
Interestingly, even among negative reactions, viewers are praising Bobby Deol’s menacing screen presence and believe he could end up being the film’s strongest asset.
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has significantly raised audience expectations for action spectacles and spy dramas. As a result, viewers are now demanding stronger writing, more grounded action, and fresher storytelling instead of relying purely on franchise value.
The film undoubtedly has scale, star power, and brand recognition. But the mixed trailer response suggests audiences are no longer satisfied with familiar spy-universe formulas. They want something genuinely new.
Whether Alpha becomes a gamechanger for the franchise or another case of style overpowering substance will become clear when the film releases on July 3.
