India, July 6 -- Growing up watching Angelina Jolie effortlessly take down enemies in Salt, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Wanted -- or admiring the stylish fight choreography of Charlie's Angels -- there's a particular thrill that comes from watching a female lead perform action with total confidence on screen. Alia Bhatt's Alpha isn't just Yash Raj Films' ambitious attempt to bring a female "lean, mean killing machine" to Hindi cinema - it's also meant to fulfil fans' long-standing wish to see a woman headline a full-fledged action spectacle.

After watching Alpha, it's safe to say we're not there yet - and not because the actors don't have it in them. The writers and filmmakers simply aren't giving them the chance to be taken seriously. ...