The highly anticipated spy thriller Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt, has opened to a wave of overwhelmingly negative reactions from both netizens and film critics. Released globally on July 3, the film, part of Yash Raj Films' (YRF) Spy Universe, is being widely panned for its weak narrative, illogical plot points, and unconvincing action sequences.
Netizens Call "Alpha" a "Cringefest"
Soon after its first shows, social media platforms were flooded with critical reviews. Many viewers described Alpha as a "cringefest" and suggested it could be the "final nail in the coffin" for the YRF Spy Universe. Some even expressed newfound respect for previous films in the franchise, such as War 2, in light of Alpha's perceived shortcomings.
"#Alpha is a CRINGE FEST that puts the final nail in the coffin of the Spy Universe. A visually ambitious film let down by a weak, illogical script, unconvincing action, and forgettable writing. Hrithik Roshan's cameo is the only real highlight. Watch at your own risk," one user posted on social media.
Another user critically compared Alpha to Alia Bhatt's previous film Jigra, stating Alpha was worse. They also questioned the directorial choices, especially given director Shiv Rawail's earlier acclaimed work on The Railway Men.
Critical Flaws and Plot Inconsistencies
Film critics highlighted significant inconsistencies, particularly in the film's second half. One major point of contention was the portrayal of a high-ranking Indian Army officer who is revealed to be a Pakistani terrorist. Critic Rohit Jaiswal noted that this plot twist inadvertently makes India's security and intelligence agencies appear "shockingly incompetent," rather than making the villain seem brilliant.
The film's story follows two young women who unite to confront a ruthless adversary. The cast includes Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Sangay Tsheltrim, with Hrithik Roshan making a cameo appearance as Kabir Dhaliwal.
Budget vs. Script Quality
Despite being a high-budget production, many viewers found the story and screenplay "unbearable." Critics questioned how a script with so many illogical moments could have been approved, leading to a disconnect between the film's grand scale and its narrative quality. Alia Bhatt's portrayal of a spy also failed to convince many, making it difficult for audiences to invest in her central character.
Alpha was released a week prior to another anticipated film, Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4, and its initial reception suggests a challenging road ahead at the box office.