Spy Thriller Tries Heart, Forgets the Pulse

Alpha, a new entry in the YRF Spy Universe, centers on Alia Bhatt as Sita, a child trained into an assassin. The film's primary strength lies in Bhatt's agile and convincing portrayal during action sequences. However, the narrative struggles with an uneven balance between thrilling espionage and extensive family melodrama, including themes of a stolen childhood and parental guilt.

The screenplay is criticized for its reliance on excessive twists and emotional manipulation, which overshadows the intended spy thriller elements. Despite featuring strong female leads in Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, the film draws criticism for the sexualization of Sharvari's character through revealing costumes, which is deemed unnecessary and detrimental to the narrative's focus on their capability.

Supporting performances, including Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, are noted as insufficient to bolster the underdeveloped script. A cameo by Hrithik Roshan also reportedly adds little to the plot, serving more as franchise maintenance. The film is acknowledged for directly naming Pakistan and its operations, a departure from previous installments.

Ultimately, Alpha is described as an almost complete Alia Bhatt show, which, while showcasing her talent, cannot compensate for the inconsistent screenplay. The film is seen as a missed opportunity, attempting to prove it has heart but forgetting to maintain a pulse, leaving it to survive as a 'cub' rather than an 'alpha' in its cinematic universe.