Alpha Review: A Bigger Disaster Than War2 in YRF Spyverse

After the much-publicized misfire of War2, director Shiv Rawail returns under the YRF banner with Alpha, hoping to redeem the faltering Spyverse. Alia Bhatt, riding high off her previous successes in Bollywood and known for her popularity across the Telugu-speaking states, headlines this ambitious project alongside Sharvari and Bobby Deol. With YRF’s massive reputation and the recent letdown of War2, expectations were cautious but hopeful, especially among pan-Indian audiences including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Did Shiv Rawail manage to break the Spyverse jinx? Could Alia Bhatt deliver in an action-oriented avatar? Was the much-hyped production value enough to salvage the film? Did the music and VFX finally rise to the occasion? Let’s figure it out with a detailed analysis.

What is it about?

Alpha follows Bobby Deol (Lt. Colonel Fateh Singh Lakhawat), who is haunted by the loss of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. He devises a top-secret plan called "Alpha" to strengthen India, but bureaucratic hurdles force its cancellation. Refusing to back down, Fateh Singh secretly pursues his mission, drawing in Alia Bhatt (Sita) as his ally. The film charts Sita’s journey as she takes Plan Alpha forward amid escalating national stakes.

Performances

Alia Bhatt (Sita) gives her best, but seems out of place in high-octane action scenes, lacking the physicality needed for the genre. Sharvari (supporting lead) impresses with her action moves, though her role is limited. Bobby Deol (Fateh Singh) is sincere but is let down by weak character writing. Anil Kapoor, in a supporting part, is adequate but underutilized.

Technicalities

Music by Rohansh & Abeer is forgettable, with no memorable tracks. The background score barely elevates the tension. Rubais’s cinematography captures the scale and grandeur YRF is known for, but lacks innovation. Editing by Aarif Sheikh struggles to maintain pacing, dragging in crucial portions.

Positives

1. YRF’s lavish production values
2. Sharvari’s action choreography
3. A few well-executed action sequences

Negatives

1. Poor, uninspired writing
2. Unconvincing portrayal of Indian intelligence and army
3. Boring, sluggish screenplay
4. Misuse of talented cast
5. Music and BGM fail to make an impact

Analysis

Alpha is a glaring example of how not to make a spy thriller, especially after the Telugu blockbuster standards set by films like Dhurandhar. The writing undermines the intelligence of both the characters and the audience, with implausible twists and a lack of emotional depth. Compared to Shiv Rawail’s earlier films and recent Telugu spy thrillers, Alpha feels regressive and tone-deaf. Its timing, coming after War2’s flop, only magnifies its shortcomings for Telugu and pan-Indian fans who expect more from the genre. Glamour and spectacle alone can’t compensate for storytelling that fails to honor the nation’s ethos.

Final Verdict

A spectacular misfire for the YRF Spyverse, worse than War2. Rating – 2/5