Alpha Review: Sharvari Slays and Hrithik Roshan’s Cameo Steals the Show!

 

Movie Review: Alpha

The YRF Spy Universe Fails to Rise as a True 'Alpha' Despite Alia Bhatt’s Best Efforts

• Director: Shiv Rawail

• Cast: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Wagh, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor

• Special Cameo: Hrithik Roshan

• Genre: Spy / Action / Thriller

• Runtime: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

Aditya Chopra’s YRF Spy Universe has given Indian cinema some of its biggest adrenaline-fueled blockbusters. Naturally, the hype surrounding Alpha—the franchise's very first female-led espio-thriller—was astronomical. With a stellar casting coup featuring the versatile Alia Bhatt alongside breakout action-star Sharvari Wagh, the project was billed as a ground-shaking shift away from male-dominated narratives.

Unfortunately, Alpha fails to earn its ambitious title. Under the direction of Shiv Rawail (The Railway Men), the movie ends up being an inconsistent cocktail of Hollywood action templates, unconvincing CGI, and a script that spends far too much time playing out like a melodramatic family soap opera.

🎬 The Plot: High-Tech Serums and Heavy Melodrama

The film traces the origin story of Sita (Alia Bhatt), a fierce, genetically enhanced super-soldier working for RAW under the watchful eye of the intelligence chief (Anil Kapoor). Sita is part of "Operation Odyssey," an elite, rogue cross-border unit injected with an experimental, strength-boosting serum—a narrative tool clearly "borrowed" from Hollywood's Captain America and Black Widow.

Sita is joined by Durga (Sharvari Wagh), her trusted sidekick, as they track down a lethal threat masterminded by a terrifying, grizzly antagonist played by Bobby Deol.

Instead of remaining laser-focused on the stakes of high-level espionage, the script constantly downshifts into intense family drama. The story drags the audience through an exhausting web of emotional baggage: a dead mother, a stolen childhood, a guilt-ridden father figure, and sisterly conflicts. By trying to prove it has an oversized emotional heart, Alpha frequently forgets to maintain a pulse.

⚡ The Hits: What Actually Works

1. The Realist Edge: Naming the Threat

One refreshing element is the film’s willingness to drop the franchise's usual "dushman mulk" (enemy nation) euphemisms. It explicitly names Pakistan, openly addresses cross-border black ops, and pivots away from performative diplomacy.

2. Sharvari's Electric Presence

While the movie is fundamentally an Alia Bhatt vehicle, Sharvari completely steals the spotlight whenever she is on screen. Following her breakout streak, she displays natural athleticism, seamless rhythm in hand-to-hand combat choreography, and an infectious, high-energy charm that briefly brings the dreary narrative to life.

3. Kabir’s Cameo

Hrithik Roshan makes an explosive, 8-minute special appearance reprising his beloved role as Kabir from War. Strikingly reminiscent of John Wick, his action piece is stylized, high-octane, and serves as a stellar reminder of what the Spy Universe looks like at its absolute peak. Gratifyingly, he steps out without over-shadowing the primary heroines.

💥 The Misses: Where the Film Bleeds Out

1. The Miscasting of Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt is undeniably one of the finest dramatic actors of her generation, but the "larger-than-life action heroine" mold fits her awkwardly here. Instead of projecting a natural, battle-hardened gravitas, her portrayal relies heavily on empty scowls and rigid, try-hard "mumbai-ka-bidu" style dialogue delivery. Watching her tiny frame single-handedly pummel fleets of 6-foot-tall elite commandos requires an immense suspension of disbelief that the film fails to ground.

2. A Villain Without Meat

After his menacing streak in Animal, Bobby Deol is severely under-utilized here. Armed with a bizarre, inconsistent accent that his performance continuously drops, his character feels entirely formulaic. The script forces him to endlessly shout slogans of his own twisted desh bhakti (patriotism), turning what could have been a brilliant villain into a flat, one-note roadblock.

3. Tonal Whiplash & Hollywood Tropes

The screenplay borrows liberally from Western hits like La Femme Nikita, Hanna, and Marvel's Black Widow, but packages it with clunky Indian commercial tropes. The editing shifts erratically from hyper-serious torture cells to random, glossy, Liril-ad-style swimming montages in the freezing climates of Kashmir. This constant over-sexualization of Sharvari and Alia in combat gear conflicts heavily with the film's supposed "female empowerment" ethos.

📊 The Bottom Line: How It Holds Up

Universe Ranking	Film	Key Strength	The Verdict
The Peak	War (2019)	Slick style, Hrithik-Tiger chemistry, high stakes.	Masterclass in Indian action.
The Middle	Pathaan / Tiger Series	Star power, massive theatrical scale.	Great guilty pleasures.
The Weakest	Alpha (2026)	Strong performances, direct political plot.	Botched opportunity. Lacks thrill & logic.

Final Verdict

Following the lukewarm reception of War 2, Alpha was expected to breathe fresh life into the YRF Spy Universe. Instead, it cements a downward trend. The hand-to-hand combat choreography is sharp, but it is repeatedly dragged down by sloppy CGI explosions, a generic background score, and writing that fails to connect emotionally or logically.

If you are a die-hard fan of Alia Bhatt or want to catch Hrithik Roshan’s spectacular 8-minute cameo, Alpha is a passable, one-time weekend watch. Otherwise, this spy thriller is safely skippable.

Jana Nayagan Censor Update: Thalapathy Vijay’s Final Film Gets 'A' Certificate for July 2026 Release!

The wait is finally over for millions of Thalapathy Vijay fans. After hitting major roadblock after roadblock, the highly anticipated political action thriller Jana Nayagan has officially crossed its biggest hurdle. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has completed its evaluation, and reports confirm that the movie is targeting a grand theatrical release in late July 2026.

The film, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, marks a historic moment in Indian cinema. It stands as the final film appearance of Thalapathy Vijay before his complete transition into full-time politics. Given its intense, hard-hitting political content, the movie faced a long, tumultuous journey through the censorship boards.

Why Jana Nayagan is Getting an 'A' Certificate

While fans originally anticipated a universal entertainer, Jana Nayagan is heading towards theatres with an Adult ('A') Certification from the CBFC.

According to sources close to the development, the revising committee recommended the classification following an extensive review of its gritty political drama, heavy dialogue, and high-voltage action sequences. Rather than heavily watering down the narrative core with extensive cuts, the makers opted to accept the mature rating to preserve H. Vinoth’s raw directorial vision.

The Timeline of Delays: From Pongal to July 2026

The journey of Jana Nayagan has been a masterclass in production resilience. The movie faced multiple legal and distribution hurdles that kept it away from the silver screen for over six months.

The Original Plan

January 9, 2026

The film was originally scheduled for a massive global release during the lucrative Pongal festival window.

Censorship Roadblock

January 2026

The CBFC's regional office originally recommended a U/A certificate. However, the clearance was abruptly halted and pushed to a revising committee following private complaints alleging objectionable depictions of political themes and the armed forces. Legal battles in the Madras High Court ensued.

High-Quality Online Leak

April 2026

While stuck in the certification loop, a massive setback occurred when a high-quality cut of the film leaked online. This prompted a major investigation by the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing, leading to over a dozen arrests.

Political Shifts

May 2026

Following the state elections, Vijay's political party emerged successful, forming a coalition government in Tamil Nadu and reshaping the film's real-world backdrop.

Final CBFC Clearance

July 2, 2026

Senior officials confirm that the CBFC review is finalized. The final list of required revisions has been sent to KVN Productions, clearing the path for its official release.

What We Know About 'Jana Nayagan'

Jana Nayagan (translating to People's Hero) is a political action thriller that is partially adapted from the 2023 Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari. The film stars Thalapathy Vijay alongside a stellar ensemble cast:

Role Type	Cast Member
Lead Actor	Vijay
Female Lead	Pooja Hegde
Antagonist	Bobby Deol
Key Supporting	Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon
Music Composer	Anirudh Ravichander

The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh, has already built immense hype with viral tracks like "Thalapathy Kacheri" and "Oru Pere Varalaaru" dominating streaming charts since late last year.

Expected Release Date Window

According to Suprith Mohan, the business head of KVN Productions, procedural formalities are wrapping up quickly. The production team is aiming for a release window in late July 2026 or the first week of August 2026. Industry insiders indicate that July 16 or July 23 are being actively considered, pending final dubbing checks for parallel Telugu and Hindi releases.

As Vijay’s celluloid swansong, Jana Nayagan is poised to trigger unprecedented box office numbers, serving as a historic farewell to his acting career and a grand prologue to his political chapter.

From Auzaar to My Punjabi Nikaah: Tracing Sohail Khan's Evolution as a Commercial Director!

As a vital pillar of Bollywood's famous "Khan Trinity" family, Sohail Khan has carved out a distinct legacy as a multi-talented filmmaker, actor, and producer. While he frequently collaborates within his illustrious family circle, Sohail has independently conceptualized and executed some of Indian cinema's most memorable commercial blockbusters.

Biography: The Galaxy Apartments Lineage

• Date of Birth: December 20, 1970

• Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

• Parents: Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak (Salma Khan)

• Siblings: Stars Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and Arpita Khan Sharma

• Identity Beyond the Family: Known for his incredibly down-to-earth persona, Sohail has recently made a deliberate push to venture into independent entertainment formats, aiming to establish an individual presence outside his family's massive industry shadow.

The Career Blueprint: Directing, Producing, and Acting

Sohail Khan’s journey in Indian cinema is uniquely multi-faceted, transitioning fluidly behind and in front of the lens.

1. The Directorial Prodigy (1997–1999)

Instead of starting out as an actor, Sohail made his industry debut behind the camera. At just 26 years old, he directed the action-thriller Auzaar (1997) starring Salman Khan and Sanjay Kapoor. He quickly followed this with the mega-hit romantic comedy Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), which earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Director and gave Indian cinema the timeless anthem "O O Jaane Jaana".

2. Transition to Acting & Production Powerhouse (2002–2016)

Sohail made his onscreen acting debut as a romantic lead in Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002), which he also wrote and directed. Over the years, he specialized in multi-starrer comedies and action dramas, delivering memorable performances in cult classics like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005) and Fight Club - Members Only (2006). As a producer, his banner Sohail Khan Productions generated massive box-office collections with blockbusters like Partner (2007), Ready (2011), and Jai Ho (2014).

3. Reality TV, Regional Cinema, and Late 2026 Projects

Sohail has been a staple face on Indian television, having judged consecutive seasons of Comedy Circus. He made a notable impact in regional cinema with the Telugu film Arjun Son of Vyjayanthi (2025) playing the antagonist Pathaan. He is making waves as a premier wildcard contestant in Prime Video's high-stakes reality show Alliance (2026), hosted by Kunal Kemmu. On the filmmaking front, he is currently directing and developing his anticipated comedy-caper My Punjabi Nikaah.

Landmark Screen Filmography

Year	Project	Role / Capacity	Medium / Notes
1997	Auzaar	Director	Directorial Debut
1998	Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya	Director / Writer	Hit; Filmfare Best Director Nominee
2002	Maine Dil Tujhko Diya	Ajay (Actor) / Director	Acting Debut
2005	Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?	Pyare Mohan (Actor)	Hit Romantic Comedy
2007	Partner	Producer	Box-Office Blockbuster
2008	Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na	Bagheere (Actor)	Cult Classic Cameo
2011	Ready	Producer	Mega Commercial Blockbuster
2017	Tubelight	Bharat Singh Bisht (Actor)	Co-Starred with Salman Khan
2025	Arjun Son of Vyjayanthi	Pathaan (Actor)	Telugu Cinema Debut
2026	Alliance	Contestant	Prime Video Reality Show
2026	My Punjabi Nikaah	Director / Writer	In Development / Scripting

5 Interesting Facts About Sohail Khan

1. The Unintentional Cult Hero of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na: One of Sohail’s most beloved acting performances was entirely unplanned as a leading role. He and Arbaaz Khan made a special appearance as the rowdy but soft-hearted Cowboy brothers (Bagheere and Amit) in the Imran Khan debut vehicle, stealing the show in every scene they featured.

2. A "Straight-Shooter" in Reality TV: Upon entering the 2026 reality series Alliance, Sohail transparently admitted his fear of early eviction, noting that coming from a family where loyalty is a way of life makes it incredibly hard for him to lie, manipulate, or play political games on screen.

3. Avid Fitness Enthusiast: Like his brother Salman, Sohail is deeply committed to bodybuilding. He was instrumental in popularizing fitness and clean eating routines within the Khan household during the late 90s, often acting as a workout partner for his brothers.

4. Massive Contributor to Commercial Music: As a director, Sohail has an exceptional ear for music. He gave prominent breaks to music directors and singers; his projects are single-handedly responsible for historic chartbusters like O O Jaane Jaana, Just Chill, and Character Dheela.

5. Real Estate Savvy: Outside the film sets, Sohail manages a vast business portfolio in Mumbai real estate. He recently made headlines in the corporate entertainment circuit for executing high-value property transactions, including leasing a prime Bandra retail commercial spot for an estimated Rs 10.3 crore.

Alliance: Sohail Khan Wants to Shed 'Salman Khan's Brother' Tag; Reveals Salman's Warning!

The reality TV landscape is buzzing with the premiere of Prime Video's highly anticipated psychological and strategic reality series, Alliance. Hosted by actor Kunal Kemmu, the show has already gripped audiences with its high-stakes drama. However, the excitement just hit an all-time high with the entry of Bollywood filmmaker and actor Sohail Khan as the show’s first wildcard contestant.

Entering a reality show environment is a massive step for Sohail, who has traditionally stayed behind the scenes or on reality show judging panels. Naturally, before stepping into the calculated chaos of the Alliance house, he sought the counsel of his elder brother and India’s ultimate reality TV icon, Salman Khan.

Sohail recently opened up about his decision to join the show and shared Salman’s priceless, caution-filled reaction to the news.

"Are You Sure?": Salman Khan’s Warning and Blessing

Having hosted Bigg Boss for over a decade, Salman Khan understands the immense emotional and mental toll a reality show can extract from a person. When Sohail approached him with his decision to participate in Alliance, Salman was both intrigued and protective.

"He was intrigued," Sohail shared in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times. "And then he said, 'You sure you know what you’re getting into?' Which, knowing him, is both a warning and a blessing. I’ll take it."

Sohail added that watching his brother host a reality show for years made him realize how distinct Alliance actually is. While Salman's arena thrives heavily on explosive personality clashes, arguments, and loud emotional drama, Alliance relies entirely on strategic gameplay.

Shedding the "Salman Khan’s Brother" Tag

For Sohail, stepping into Alliance represents a deeply personal mission: creating a distinct identity that isn't overshadowed by his family name or industry clout.

"In the show, there's no family name to lean on. No industry clout. It's just me, my mind, and how I play the game." 
— Sohail Khan

He elaborated that the format of the show—where 16 celebrities must forge, maintain, and navigate delicate connections—appealed to his instincts as a filmmaker.

• The Strategy Aspect: "Salman’s show is about personalities, conflicts and emotions. But this one is fundamentally different. It's a game of the mind. Strategy. Outwitting people without them knowing they've been outwitted. That challenge appealed to me in a way nothing else has."

• The Fear of Manipulation: Despite his excitement, the 55-year-old filmmaker admitted to having massive apprehensions about surviving the format. "I don't know how to play games and manipulate, hence I am scared that I might be out of the show in the first week itself. I come from a family where loyalty isn't just a word—it's a way of life."

The Ultimate Reality Cast: The Khan Family Dynamic

When playfully asked what the Khan family dynamic would look like if they were all trapped inside a reality show house together, Sohail mapped out their real-life roles perfectly:

• The Absolute Leader: Salman Khan. "He walks into any room and it reorganises itself around him," Sohail noted.

• The Peacemaker: Arbaaz Khan. He is the mediator who listens calmly and keeps everyone grounded.

• The Master Strategist: Salma Khan (their mother). "She's been managing this family for decades. Three sons, three different personalities, three different egos."

What is Alliance on Prime Video?

Produced by Banijay Asia, Alliance kicked off its season with a powerful line-up of celebrity duos, including Kushal Tandon and Arslan Goni, Daisy Shah and Zaid Darbar, and Ravi Kishan alongside his daughter Riva Kishan.

The core format forces pairs to protect their "connections" while adapting overnight to betrayals and rapid shifts in trust. With rumors swirling that Sohail's entry might be closely followed by other shocking wildcards, the psychological gameplay is bound to get fiercely intense.

Alliance streams daily episodes at 12 noon exclusively on Prime Video.