New Delhi, July 3 -- The YRF Spyverse is now running on vibes, star cameos and whatever ridiculously catchy new jingle with placeholder English lyrics Sanchit and Ankit Balhara have cooked up. After the glorious high of Pathaan (2023), there's only been disappointment: first the unnecessary Tiger 3 (2023), then the embarrassing misfire of War 2 (2025). Shiv Rawail's Alpha isn't as dire as the previous two entries, but nevertheless shows a franchise badly in need of fresh ideas and, more importantly, a sense of purpose.

A hostage rescue aboard a ship, reminiscent of NTR Jr's entry scene in War 2, is an early warning that Alpha has no intention of forging a bold new path. The operation turns out to be a pitch by covert operative Fateh Sing...