YRF Holds Firm on “Alpha” Theatrical Release Despite Netflix’s ₹215‑Crore Offer

Yash Raj Films (YRF) has reportedly inked a massive ₹215 crore streaming deal with Netflix India for a direct‑digital premiere of its upcoming spy‑thriller Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. Yet, the studio has publicly reaffirmed that the film will first hit cinemas, insisting on a big‑screen experience for its audience. This stance comes after months of speculation about a potential OTT skip, which YRF has now firmly quashed.

Originally slated for a Christmas 2025 debut, Alpha was pushed to April 17, 2026, after the production team realized that the visual‑effects work required more time than initially anticipated. A YRF spokesperson explained that the VFX pipeline was “unrealistic” under the original schedule, and the delay is meant to deliver the film’s high‑octane action in its most polished, cinematic form.

The decision to keep the theatrical window aligns with YRF’s broader strategy for its Spy Universe, which includes blockbusters like Pathaan and War By insisting on a cinema release, the studio aims to preserve the franchise’s reputation for large‑scale, visually stunning spectacles, while still securing a lucrative post‑theatrical streaming partnership with Netflix.

With the final shooting schedule nearing completion at YRF Studios and post‑production set to ramp up, Alpha is poised to become the first female‑led entry in the Spy Universe. Fans can look forward to a high‑risk, action‑packed narrative that blends Alia Bhatt’s star power with Sharvari’s rising talent, all while maintaining the theatrical tradition that YRF values.

Source:-  Variety