Alia Bhatt and Sharvari-starrer high-octane spy-thriller ‘Alpha’, the latest instalment in the YRF Spy Universe, made a promising start at the box office after receiving a theatrical release on July 2, 2026. Backed by a massive pre-release buzz and a widely-appreciated trailer, it opened with robust numbers, signaling a positive response from the audiences.

As per trade tracking portal Sacnilk, the film raked in an estimated Rs 9.25 crore net in India on its opening day through 7,534 shows. The film’s gross collection in the country stood at Rs 11.1 crore, while it bagged an additional Rs 5 crore from overseas markets. Consequently, its worldwide gross collection surged to Rs 16.1 crore on Day 1.

Occupancy soars as the day progresses

The film saw a gradual rise in footfall throughout its opening day, indicating stronger audience turnout during the later shows.

The spy-thriller registered an overall occupancy rate of 20.4% on Friday. Morning shows posted an occupancy of 9.92%, which improved to 17.85% during the noon shows. The uptick continued into the evening with 19.69% occupancy, while the night shows recorded the highest attendance of the day at 34.15%.

The increasing occupancy rates during evening and night screenings projected favourable interest of fans as the day progressed.

A new chapter in YRF Spy Universe

The Shiv Rawail directorial is the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe. The film features Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in the lead roles, and Bobby Deol as well as Anil Kapoor playing key roles.

It is noteworthy that Hrithik Roshan has also made a special appearance in the film as Kabir, reprising his popular character from the ‘War’ franchise, also produced under the YRF banner. Alpha’s story revolves around a highly-trained assassin who is raised in isolation and is transformed into a super-soldier by a rogue commander. After learning the truth about her family and the childhood that was taken by her, she joins forces with her long-lost sister to confront the commander and dismantle his illegal military programme.

Film receives mixed responses

The film has received mixed responses from critics. In her review, Radhika Sharma conferred three stars on the movie out of five, praising its hooking first-half, while noting that it loses momentum after the interval.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in another still from the movie

She noted that the film draws inspiration from several Hollywood franchises, adding that viewers familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe may spot resemblance to characters such as Captain America, Wolverine and Black Widow.

Furthermore, she also pointed out references reminiscent of Game of Thrones.