Review: Alpha: Alia Bhatt Steals the Show, but the Story Doesn’t!

The YRF Spy Universe has emerged as one of Indian cinema’s most successful cinematic franchises, bringing together blockbuster films. Now, the YRF Spy Universe is expanding into exciting new territory with its first female-led spy film, starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role in Alpha. The film marks a significant milestone for the franchise by introducing a powerful woman at the centre of its espionage world while retaining the scale, action and cinematic spectacle that have become its hallmark.
The film is directed by Shiv Rawail, who makes his feature film directorial debut after earning widespread acclaim for directing the acclaimed web series The Railway Men.

Fateh (Bobby Deol) and Colonel Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor) are guru-shishya Jodi in an Indian army and they are into the development of a classified formula known as Alpha, a breakthrough serum capable of transforming ordinary individuals into super soldiers. Driven by personal reasons, Vikrant secretly takes the serum and administers it to his pregnant wife, leading to the birth of their daughter, Sita (Alia Bhatt). However, Fateh abducts the infant and brings her up as his own. Vikrant, on the other hand, raises another young girl, Durga (Sharvari Wagh). Nearly two decades later, Durga embarks on a mission to find and reconnect with her long-lost sister. But Sita, shaped by the beliefs instilled in her over the years, views Durga with suspicion and assumes she has been sent by Fateh to kill her. Whether they become a team to combat Fateh forms the crux of the story.

The story of Alpha has an interesting premise, but it never evolves into a truly gripping spy thriller. The screenplay relies heavily on familiar genre tropes, with predictable twists and several convenient plot developments that dilute the impact of the narrative. The dialogues are functional without being particularly memorable, while the background score effectively amplifies the tension and complements the film’s high-octane action. The action sequences are undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength, mounted on a grand scale with slick choreography, thrilling hand-to-hand combat and spectacular chase sequences that live up to the standards of the YRF Spy Universe. The cinematography captures the adventure with style, and the lavish production values, coupled with polished VFX, enhance the larger-than-life cinematic experience. Alia Bhatt delivers a committed performance as Sita, carrying the film with confidence and intensity while handling the emotional as well as action-heavy moments with ease. Sharvari proves to be an impressive partner, bringing both vulnerability and strength to Durga, and shares an engaging on-screen chemistry with Alia. Anil Kapoor lends dignity and gravitas to his role as Colonel Vikrant Kaul, while Bobby Deol makes for a menacing antagonist, using his restrained screen presence effectively.

Despite its visual grandeur and accomplished performances, Alpha falls short of becoming a truly memorable addition to the franchise because its storytelling never matches the scale of its action and spectacle.

Rating: ***

By Keerti Kadam