Yash Raj Films has postponed the release of Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, marking the second delay for the much-anticipated action thriller. The film was earlier scheduled to release on April 17, 2026, but the makers have now decided to move it to avoid a box office clash with Salman Khan’s war drama Battle of Galwan. The new release date for Alpha is yet to be announced.

Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra, Alpha holds special significance as YRF’s first female-led film in its successful spy universe. The franchise includes blockbuster titles such as Ek Tha Tiger, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3, with War 2 also lined up for release in 2025. Expectations are high as Alpha aims to expand the universe with a fresh perspective.

Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed the postponement via social media, stating that YRF chose to step aside to give Salman Khan’s film a clear release window. He added that the studio will reassess the theatrical calendar over the next few months before finalising a new release date. The decision highlights the industry’s strategic approach to avoiding major box office clashes.

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This is not the first setback for Alpha. The film was initially slated for a December 25 release, a date earlier confirmed by Alia Bhatt during Milan Fashion Week. However, the makers delayed the film to allow more time for refining the visual effects, aiming to deliver a superior cinematic experience to audiences.

Addressing the delay, a YRF spokesperson stated that Alpha is an extremely special project for the studio. The team realised that the VFX work required more time than initially planned, and the decision was taken to ensure the film meets the highest visual and technical standards before its theatrical release.

Meanwhile, Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is inspired by the real-life India-China clash of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With two major films targeting the same release window, YRF’s decision to postpone Alpha reflects a calculated move to maximise audience reach and box office potential for both projects.

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