YRF Rejects a Big Deal for Alpha: Confidence or Overconfidence?

Despite facing back-to-back setbacks with films like Tiger 3 and War 2, Yash Raj Films has reportedly turned down a massive OTT offer from Netflix to stream its upcoming female-led spy thriller Alpha directly on the platform.

According to a Variety india report, the streaming giant reportedly offered around ₹215 crore for exclusive digital rights, but YRF firmly declined the deal to ensure a theatrical premiere instead.

The decision has sparked debate within trade circles. Is the studio determined to push its spy universe forward at any cost, regardless of recent box office disappointments? Or does YRF firmly believe that Alpha has the potential to restore the franchise’s lost momentum and reconnect with audiences in theatres? 

By rejecting a lucrative streaming deal and choosing a theatrical path, the banner seems to be sending a strong message, that it still has faith in the big-screen appeal of its spy saga and is betting big on Alpha to stage a powerful comeback.

Alpha, which stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh in lead roles, is positioned as one of the studio’s big tentpole releases and a key chapter in the expanding YRF Spy Universe. The film’s release was initially scheduled for December 25, 2025, and later shifted to April 17, 2026, due to extensive post-production requirements and VFX work.