Alpha (2025) – Full Movie Review, Story, Cast, Box Office, Themes & More

Introduction

"Alpha" (2025) is one of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year, introducing a groundbreaking addition to the YRF Spy Universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film marks a bold move toward female-led espionage action in Bollywood. With Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh taking the lead as elite spies, "Alpha" promises high-octane action, international intrigue, and an emotionally rich narrative. It’s a cinematic statement that women are not just sidekicks—they are the mission.

Plot Summary

While many details have been kept tightly under wraps pre-release, the basic premise of "Alpha" centers around a covert black ops mission involving two of India’s most lethal female spies. Set across multiple international locations—from Istanbul to Berlin to Mumbai—the film follows Rhea (Alia Bhatt), a former field agent drawn back into service after a series of deadly global attacks, and Tara (Sharvari Wagh), a rising spy star within the agency.

As the two agents partner to stop a rogue ex-spy who’s turned into a cyber-terrorist, secrets from their past begin to unravel, testing their loyalties and their physical and mental limits. With stunning action choreography, high-tech espionage tools, and emotional drama, "Alpha" is a genre-defining Bollywood spy thriller.

Cast and Performances

• Alia Bhatt as Rhea Malik: A gripping, powerful lead performance. Alia delivers both physical prowess and emotional intensity in her most action-heavy role yet.

• Sharvari Wagh as Tara Mehta: A breakout role for Sharvari, who brings sharpness and flair to her performance. Her chemistry with Alia is one of the movie’s strongest elements.

• Kay Kay Menon as Raghav Shekhawat: The chilling antagonist, a former intelligence officer turned cyber-anarchist.

• Ashutosh Rana as Colonel Vikram Singh: The wise handler who acts as a mentor and emotional anchor.

• Nimrat Kaur as Nandita Rao: A tech specialist with her own secrets.

Direction and Screenplay

Shiv Rawail successfully elevates the spy genre with his direction. "Alpha" is tight, focused, and visually compelling. The screenplay, penned by Shridhar Raghavan, combines intelligent dialogue, fast-paced twists, and timely themes like cybersecurity, betrayal, and female empowerment. The pacing remains intense from beginning to end, with enough breathing space for character development.

Cinematography and Visuals

With cinematography by Manush Nandan, "Alpha" looks like a global blockbuster. Exotic locales, neon-lit action scenes, and slick interiors of intelligence agencies are captured beautifully. The action scenes are particularly notable—fluid, stylized, and refreshingly realistic compared to typical Bollywood fare.

Soundtrack and Background Score

The score by Julius Packiam adds weight to every scene. A mix of orchestral suspense and electronic beats drives the intensity. The film features one emotional ballad sung by Arijit Singh and a pulsating theme track performed by DIVINE. No song feels out of place—the music supports the narrative instead of disrupting it.

Major Themes

1. Female Empowerment

A defining theme of "Alpha," showcasing women as front-line operatives with equal strength, intelligence, and complexity.

2. Trust and Betrayal

Both on the field and off, the theme of who to trust—and how betrayals can shape a spy’s identity—is explored with nuance.

3. Cybersecurity and Modern Warfare

Unlike traditional gunfire-heavy espionage tales, "Alpha" delves deep into cyber warfare, showing how the next world war may begin in the cloud.

4. Sacrifice and Loyalty

Being a spy isn’t glamorous—it’s dangerous. The film honors the unseen sacrifices made in the name of national safety.

Box Office Performance

"Alpha" released globally on December 25, 2025, and dominated the box office during its opening weekend. With an opening day collection of ₹35 crore in India and a worldwide weekend gross of ₹120 crore, the movie is poised to cross ₹500 crore worldwide. It’s already the highest-grossing female-led Bollywood action film.

Audience Reception

Fans have praised the film’s gripping plot, outstanding action choreography, and the electric performances by both Alia and Sharvari. Twitter trends like #AlphaSisters and #YRFSpyQueen took over social media, and audiences appreciated the lack of unnecessary romantic subplots, keeping the focus sharp.

Critical Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Fresh (Indian cinema category)

• IMDb: 8.4/10

• Times of India: 4/5 stars

• Hindustan Times: "An action film that hits the brain and the heart."

"Alpha" has been widely praised by critics for its production quality, progressive storytelling, and its position as a game-changer in the spy thriller genre.

Behind-the-Scenes & Trivia

• The film was shot across 5 countries over 110 days.

• Alia Bhatt trained in Krav Maga and firearms for 4 months prior to shooting.

• Sharvari did 80% of her own stunts.

• The climax scene was shot on the rooftops of Berlin over 12 nights.

• The script was locked 18 months before filming began, as part of YRF’s expanded spy universe plan.

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Final Verdict

"Alpha" is more than just a spy thriller—it’s a cinematic leap forward for female action heroes in Bollywood. It delivers on all fronts: stunning visuals, intelligent writing, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable performances. Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh redefine what it means to be a spy in Indian cinema.

This film sets a new benchmark for female-centric action storytelling, making it one of 2025’s most essential big-screen experiences. Highly recommended for action lovers, fans of the YRF universe, and anyone looking to see women dominate the screen like never before.

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Next up: Geostorm (2025) – Stay tuned for another deep dive!