Alpha Release Date: Speculation around the future of Yash Raj Films’ ambitious spy franchise has been doing the rounds on social media. Recent reports suggested that Alia Bhatt and Sharvari starrer Alpha, the next chapter in the much-talked-about YRF Spy Universe, might skip its theatrical release and premiere directly on a streaming platform.
The buzz intensified after reports claimed that the banner had locked a huge OTT deal for Alpha, especially following the underwhelming response to War 2.
WHERE WILL ALPHA BE RELEASED? IN THEATRES OR NETFLIX
Alpha is part of the expanding YRF spyverse, which links several action titles from the studio. The film was first slated to arrive in cinemas on December 25 last year. That plan changed when the team faced extended and ‘unrealistic’ VFX timelines, pushing the release to April 17 this year, before another adjustment.
The second delay led to fresh chatter in the trade, especially after Ayan Mukerji’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, struggled at the box office. Many observers connected Alpha’s shift to War 2’s performance. However, the key reason cited was calendar management, as the April slot would have clashed with Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan.
The YRF Spy Universe, which includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan, has relied on grand cinematic releases to maximise impact. Reports about a “massive OTT deal” appear to stem more from online discussions than verified announcements. In today’s hybrid distribution landscape, studios often explore multiple monetisation windows, including post-theatrical streaming rights. But that does not necessarily mean bypassing cinemas altogether.
Variety India reported that Netflix India proposed a direct-to-digital premiere for Alpha and Yash Raj Films declining the Rs 215 crore offer from the streaming giant, choosing cinemas instead. However, industry chatter indicates that these claims are largely speculative. Yes, you read that right!
REPORTS OF ALPHA RELEASING ON NETFLIX ARE FALSE
As per sources close to the streaming platform and Yash Raj Films, these are just rumours and untrue. Alpha, helmed by director Shiv Rawail, continues to be positioned as a significant big-screen project under the prestigious Yash Raj Films banner.
Clarifying the studio’s position, the YRF spokesperson also told Variety India, “[That] Alpha [is] going to stream directly [is a rumour that] aims at putting a heroine-fronted film in an unflattering light. Yash Raj Films will never put films from its theatrical slate directly to streaming. We are a studio that takes immense pride in making cinematic experiences. Alpha is a tentpole movie for the company.”
The same statement described Alpha as an attempt to ‘mount something incredibly special’. It praised Alia as ‘one of the finest actors of our country’ and Sharvari as a ‘brilliant young actor’. Reaffirming trust in the big-screen route, the spokesperson added, “We are hopeful that we have made a good film in Alpha and it will entertain everyone and prove that audiences will give the same amount of love to this film as they shower upon other action movies.”
ALPHA NEW RELEASE DATE
YRF has not revealed a fresh release date for Alpha yet, despite confirming a theatrical launch. The film remains a key entry in the YRF spyverse and a significant action role for Alia and Sharvari. Industry watchers now await an updated calendar announcement from the studio for the long-delayed title.