Alia Bhatt’s upcoming film Alpha has been delayed once again. The YRF spy thriller will no longer release in April 2026. The makers have decided to move the film to avoid a box office clash with Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan.
The decision has triggered strong reactions online. Many netizens feel the delay is not just about avoiding a clash. According to them, the real fear comes from the massive impact of Dhurandhar.
The film was earlier scheduled to hit theatres on April 17, 2026. That date is now off the table. On Saturday, trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed that Yash Raj Films has postponed Alpha. The studio plans to announce a new release date after reviewing the theatrical calendar. The call was reportedly taken by Aditya Chopra to avoid two big films releasing together.
This means audiences will not see Alia Bhatt and Salman Khan face off at the box office in April next year. While clashes are common in Bollywood, YRF appears to be choosing caution this time.
Why Alpha Release Date Was Changed
According to the official update from Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, Alpha was delayed to avoid a direct clash with Battle of Galwan. Salman Khan’s film is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. A clash could have split screens and audiences. YRF is now taking time to assess upcoming releases. The studio wants a clear window for Alpha. A new release date will be announced in the coming months.
However, fans are not fully convinced by this explanation.
Alpha Delay Triggers Dhurandhar Comparisons Online
As soon as he broke the news, online users trolled YRF, Alia Bhatt and also said that it will be a big flop as Dhurandhar has raised expectations from a spy action film.
Read some user comments below:
“ALPHA turned out to be beta.”
“Naam Alpha rakh ke harkartein Bhagodhon wali kar rahe hain!!”
“Are you sure it’s support for Salman or scare of Dhurandhar 2? YRF are spooked and rightly so, for the trash they’ve been showing as movies.”
“It’s not Battle of Galwan. We know the real tsunami #Dhurandhar2 is the reason”
“Alpha got scared of the OG ALPHA. “
“LMAO. “Can’t act in action films” Alia spearheading an action film Alpha, especially after Dhurandhar has made chutney pudi out of YRF universe is LOL. Just put on OTT and try to get as less losses as you can.”
“Rakh do usko shelf mai dhurandhar ke bad koi spy movie achi nahi lagegi logo ko agar woh dhurandhar level nahi rahi toh.”
“This is a sure shot flop after #Dhurandhar better YRF releases this one on OTT.”
“After Dhurandhar 2, YRF will announce that Alpha will release on OTT platform.”
“Biggest disaster of indian cinema alpha hogi fs…coz megastar alia bhatt hai usme woh bhi apne action avatar me.”
“Ye kitne bhi clash avoid karle hona flop hi hai.”
Alia Bhatt Starrer Was Initially Scheduled For Christmas Release
This is also not the first delay for Alpha. The film was originally planned for a Christmas 2025 release. It was later shifted to April 2026. The latest postponement has only increased doubts around the project.
Despite the criticism, Alpha remains a key film in YRF’s Spy Universe. The film stars Alia Bhatt alongside Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Bobby Deol’s character was teased in the post-credit scene of War 2. In that scene, he stamped an agency logo on a young girl’s hand and explained its meaning. He called it “Alpha,” describing it as the first letter of the Greek alphabet and the programme’s motto – The first, the fastest, the strongest.
