The much-anticipated YRF Spy Universe film Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, finally hit theatres today. Positioned as the franchise’s first female-led spy thriller, the film arrived with sky-high expectations. However, if the first wave of reactions on X (formerly Twitter) is anything to go by, audiences seem divided. While many appreciated the film’s action choreography and performances, a significant number felt Alpha fell into the same trap that has often been associated with recent YRF spy films—stylish visuals but an underwhelming story.
One of the recurring criticisms revolves around the screenplay. Several viewers felt that despite an intriguing premise, the narrative lacked emotional depth and relied too heavily on familiar spy-universe tropes. Trade analyst Nishit Shaw wrote:
“Despite borrowing tracks from Hollywood biggies, the initial fragment seems interesting and promising. But things start going downhill as soon as the female leads appear and eventually crashes in the second half. Weakest one from the Spy Universe.”
Another review that gained traction on X described the film as:
“Average.“
with many users adding that while the action was entertaining, the writing never reached the level expected from a franchise of this scale. Interestingly, Hrithik Roshan’s cameo has emerged as one of the most widely appreciated moments in audience reactions.
Alia Bhatt’s performance has also sparked debate. While many viewers acknowledged the effort she put into the demanding action sequences, others felt that the role never fully suited her screen persona. For these viewers, the character appeared more like an attempt to fit into an existing spy formula rather than one organically built around her strengths. Even before release, some fans had remarked that “story and execution” would ultimately determine the film’s success beyond its polished visuals.
Sharvari, meanwhile, became the subject of a different conversation altogether. Some audiences felt she was underutilized despite the film being promoted as a two-woman spy thriller. Earlier promotional material had already attracted criticism for barely featuring her, with one fan posting:
“115 seconds of the teaser & literally NOT A SINGLE SHOT of Sharvari? I was genuinely hyped for her.“
Ironically, after the film’s release, several viewers argued that Sharvari ended up leaving a stronger impression than expected and deserved a much more substantial character arc. Others felt the film never fully explored the dynamic between the two leads, turning what could have been a refreshing partnership into a missed opportunity.
The criticism extends beyond Alpha itself. Many moviegoers believe the YRF Spy Universe has increasingly leaned on spectacle over substance. Comparisons with earlier franchise entries such as Pathaan and other recent spy films resurfaced online, with viewers questioning whether the studio has become too reliant on extravagant action set pieces, interconnected cameos, and franchise-building at the expense of compelling storytelling.
That said, not every reaction has been negative. A section of the audience praised the action choreography, visual scale, and the attempt to introduce a female-led narrative into the spy universe. Some viewers also appreciated Alia Bhatt’s commitment to the physically demanding role and welcomed the franchise’s effort to broaden its roster of protagonists.
Ultimately, Alpha appears to be a film that has divided audiences rather than united them. While its ambition has been acknowledged, many viewers believe that stronger writing, richer character development, and a more original narrative could have elevated it into the landmark female-led spy film it aspired to be.
For now, one sentiment seems to echo across social media: Alpha had all the ingredients for a standout addition to the YRF Spy Universe, but for many viewers, it simply didn’t capitalize on its potential.
