Yash Raj Films’ ambitious spy-universe plan has hit a roadblock. The recently released War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, was mounted on a massive ₹400 crore budget, expected to set the stage for upcoming projects. But with just ₹227 crore nett in India, the film has turned into a commercial disappointment, shaking YRF’s future lineup.

One of the biggest films now under scrutiny is Alpha, led by Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol, which is slated for a Christmas 2025 release.

Shah Rukh Khan Out, Hrithik Roshan In (with Caution!)

There were strong rumours that Shah Rukh Khan would appear in a cameo in Alpha, but fresh reports confirm that SRK has opted out. Instead, the film will feature at least two cameos:

• Hrithik Roshan as Kabir (already shot in June). However, given the poor response to War 2, YRF is wary about retaining his part in the final cut. The decision will be locked only during post-production.

• The identity of the second cameo remains a tightly-guarded secret, being described as a “big surprise” for audiences.

Special Song for Alia Bhatt & Sharvari Wagh

Alongside the action, Alpha will also feature a grand special number featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh. What makes it unique is its concept: the same song will be rendered by different singers, offering multiple versions.

• The final audio version is expected to be ready by August 30.

• The grand picturisation is scheduled for the second week of October, for which Alia will take a two-week break from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War.

• A short US tour is also being planned around this schedule.

Meanwhile, Sharvari Wagh is set to wrap up her portions in just 11 days of shoot.

Why YRF is Nervous

With War 2’s underperformance, trade experts believe Alpha now carries extra burden. The clash between Alia Bhatt’s leading lady avatar and Bobby Deol’s menacing villainy was supposed to be the next big spectacle from the spy universe. But YRF is treading carefully, trimming risks and banking heavily on music and cameos to generate buzz.

Now the big question: Will ‘Alpha’ revive YRF’s spy-universe dreams or sink deeper after War 2’s misfire?