Alia Bhatt, Sharvari starrer Alpha to get theatrical release despite OTT rumours

Amid the growing excitement surrounding the project, reports have surfaced claiming that Alpha may not see a big-screen release as initially planned.

• Alpha starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari postponed to April 17, 2026 for VFX work
• Reports suggest possible OTT release, but makers insist on theatrical launch
• Bobby Deol plays the antagonist; Hrithik Roshan may appear in a cameo

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Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe project Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has been generating significant buzz ever since it was announced. However, After recent speculation suggests that the much-anticipated film may skip a theatrical release altogether and head straight to OTT, sparking fresh debate around its future.

Amid the growing excitement surrounding the project, reports have surfaced claiming that Alpha may not see a big-screen release as initially planned. According to sources, internal discussions at Yash Raj Films have raised questions about the film’s theatrical viability.

A source close to the development told Deccan Chronicle, “Aditya Chopra had hoped that the female-hero genre would get a boost with Mardaani, so that Alpha could be projected as Alia’s Shero film."

Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe film Alpha, featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, has been creating strong buzz since its announcement. However, following recent rumours suggesting that the highly anticipated project might bypass theatres and opt for a direct OTT release, new reports indicate that the film is firmly headed for a theatrical release.

Even as speculation gained momentum over the film potentially skipping the big screen, fresh updates suggest otherwise. According to sources quoted by Pinkvilla, Alpha will release in cinemas and not premiere directly on an OTT platform, putting an end to the circulating rumours.

Sources further revealed that the production team is currently completing the final schedule at YRF Studios, with all key cast members actively involved. The source said, "The last schedule is currently in progress with Alia, Sharvari, Anil and Bobby at YRF Studios. The schedule will be wrapped up by next week, and makers are fully geared up for a theatrical release."

With filming nearing completion, post-production is expected to commence soon, ensuring that the project remains on course for its planned Q3 2026 theatrical release.

For now, the makers the makers continue to stand by their decision to release Alpha on the big screen.

Previously, while speaking about the project at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah last year, Alia Bhatt opened up about the film’s significance and the risks involved. As quoted by Deadline, she said, "'Alpha' is the first female-led action film from the YRF universe, so that’s also a risk, because you’ve not historically seen that perform in the same way that the other male-led films have performed."

Also read: Alia Bhatt and Rajkummar Rao to lead thought-provoking drama Housewife, Reports

Originally scheduled for a Christmas 2025 release, the film has since been postponed. Yash Raj Films later announced that Alpha will now hit theatres on April 17, 2026. The production house confirmed that the delay was due to the extensive VFX work required, stating that additional time is needed to deliver the film in its best possible visual form.

In addition to Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, Alpha also features Bobby Deol as the antagonist and is reported to include a crossover cameo by Hrithik Roshan within the YRF Spy Universe.