Rating: ⭐½ – One and Half and It is only for Alia Bhatt
By: Humaari Baat Editorial Team
When a film enters the arena of the YRF Spy Universe, the audience expectation is simple: grit, integrity, and a narrative that honors the spirit of our nation. Unfortunately, Alpha fails on almost every front, leaving viewers—including those of us who walked out midway—feeling deeply disappointed.
Plot of Alpha Film
At the center of Alpha is Sita (Alia Bhatt), a young woman whose life was stolen when she was kidnapped as a child and forced into the grueling “Alpha” training program by a rogue commander, Colonel Lakhawat (Bobby Deol). Years later, the story follows her journey to take badla against those who weaponized her life and stripped her of her childhood.
The plot takes a turn when Sita crosses paths with Durga (Sharvari). The two are then thrust into an unlikely alliance, forcing them to confront their traumatic pasts while battling a ruthless adversary. It’s a series of dangerous confrontations that leads to what the makers claim is a brutal final showdown, though for many, the execution leaves a lot to be desired in terms of asli grit and logical storytelling.
The Verdict: A Script Without a Soul
If you’re looking for a gripping, logical thriller, look elsewhere. Alpha is a classic example of a high-budget production prioritizing brand over substance. The script is not just weak; it is fundamentally flawed. From the opening sequences, it is clear that the film lacks the “grit” required for a high-stakes spy drama. Instead of a compelling story, we are served an illogical mess that feels forced at every turn.
A Note on Performance
We must be fair where fairness is due: Alia Bhatt deserves credit for taking on the physical challenge and putting in the hard work required for such an intense role. However, it is truly unfortunate that her sincere efforts were entirely undermined by a script that was not only witty in the wrong ways but felt disjointed, “anti-national” in its undertones, and painfully forced.
Why Did the Censor Board Approve This?
For many of us leaving the theatre, the biggest question wasn’t about the plot holes—it was about the process. How does a film that feels so disconnected from national sentiment and basic logical storytelling pass the Censor Board’s scrutiny? The gap between the quality the public deserves and what is being pushed into our theaters is widening, and Alpha is a glaring example of that disconnect.
Final Thoughts
The answer depends on the perspective from which you view the film. The reactions surrounding Alpha have turned it into part of the broader debate between ‘nationalist’ and ‘liberal’ narratives in Indian cinema.
The arguments raised by nationalist viewers carry weight because they point out specific flaws that fail to align with the expectations of the Indian audience:
Portrayal of the security apparatus: Nationalist viewers argue that the film depicts Indian intelligence agencies (like R&AW) as directionless and weak—a portrayal they perceive as ‘anti-national.’
- Lack of logic: The film has been labeled an “illogical cringefest” due to a glaring lack of narrative logic, rendering its entire ‘spy thriller’ premise hollow.
- Cultural disconnect: Viewers feel that by attempting to mimic Hollywood while abandoning its own roots and patriotic spirit, the film fails to resonate with their values.
On the other hand, those who appreciate or defend the film view it primarily as a piece of “action entertainment.” Their focus lies on the visuals and technical aspects rather than on any political or patriotic message.
If you expect cinema to portray the nation’s dignity and security apparatus in an accurate and robust manner, the concerns raised by nationalist viewers seem entirely valid. The film’s ‘anti-national’ narrative and weak screenplay create an experience that many are deeming “disastrous.”
Snehil Sharma, Editor at Humaari Baat
Do you think Bollywood is now deliberately choosing narratives that diverge from the mainstream mindset of the Indian audience?
And od you feel if Alpha is an “illogical cringefest”? Many viewers doesn’t just fall short of expectation actively frustrates the audience. It attempts to sell us a hollow, superficial version of a spy thriller, failing to capture the patriotic fervor that defines the best of this genre.
Our advice: Save your time and your hard-earned money. This is one you can safely skip if you are nationalist. Watch it if you are leftist!
Does this tone capture the direct and impactful style you usually prefer for Humaari Baat, or would you like me to make it even more aggressive regarding the “anti-national” elements?
