Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Sharvari are at the center of a social media storm after a bikini scene from their newly released spy thriller Alpha leaked online. The film, which hit theatres on July 3, 2026, has received mixed reactions, but one particular sequence has grabbed all the attention for the wrong reasons. Social media users have not held back their opinions, with many comparing the scene to a Nirma detergent advertisement and questioning why a spy thriller needed such a glamorous shot.
The leaked clip shows both actors emerging from a pond in bikinis. While some fans praised their toned appearances, a large section of the internet criticized the makers for including what they called an unnecessary and forced sequence in an action film.
Leaked Scene From Alpha Triggers Massive Backlash Online
The video from Alpha started circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the film’s release. It features Sharvari in a two-piece bikini during a beach sequence, while Alia Bhatt appears in black shorts and a bikini top before putting on a jacket. The clip quickly went viral, and within hours, thousands of users shared their displeasure.
Many viewers expressed disappointment over the fact that Yash Raj Films (YRF) , known for its spy universe, once again resorted to showing female agents in swimwear. One user wrote, “Why did they put a Nirma ad inside the YRF Alpha movie?”. Another commented, “Just YRF doing YRF things – compulsory bikini scene in a spy movie.”.
The comparison to the Nirma ad came from the visual of the actors emerging from water, which reminded users of the famous detergent commercial where women wash clothes in a river. Several tweets mocked the scene, with one saying, “And they wanted to compete with Dhurandhar”, referring to the recent Bollywood film that featured action sequences.
Spy Thriller or Swimsuit Calendar? Netizens Question Makers’ Intent
The backlash has been so strong that many are now asking whether Alpha is a spy thriller or a swimsuit calendar shoot. One user tweeted, “Spy thriller or swimsuit calendar? A good script doesn’t need forced bikini shots for hype. Female spies should be brutal and badass, but YRF is stuck on the glamour trope. Focus on action.”.
Another viewer wrote, “Is this how a spy movie is supposed to look? It looks more like a lesbian couple movie enjoying their honeymoon in a bikini. What’s this bikini obsession of YRF man?”. A different user added, “I knew it!! YRF doing a spy movie and no bikini scene? Impossible. They just didn’t show it in the teaser and trailer this time to fool the audience.”.
Some users also questioned the portrayal of Indian RAW agents in such a glamorous way. One tweet read, “Big scam, Indian female agents in bikinis?????? How can you do that, Mr Chopra? Who gave you the authority to portray Indian RAW agents like bikini queens?”.
Not the First Time YRF Spy Universe Faces Bikini Controversy
This is not the first time the YRF Spy Universe has come under fire for styling female spies in swimwear. In War 2, Kiara Advani‘s bikini sequence drew mixed reactions, with many questioning the need for such shots in a spy film.
Earlier, Pathaan sparked a major controversy over Deepika Padukone‘s orange bikini in the song Besharam Rang. The film faced boycott calls and political backlash over the costume’s colour. Despite the criticism, YRF has continued to include such sequences in their films, and Alpha seems to be the latest example of this pattern.
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Critics
While the internet is largely divided, some fans have come out in support of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. A section of viewers praised the actors for their looks and called them “killers in bikinis”. Others defended the scene, saying it is a normal part of commercial cinema and should not be taken too seriously.
However, the majority of reactions have been negative. One user wrote, “This is all YRF’s #AlphaMovie needs to offer to bikini lovers on the internet!!”. Another commented, “They just want to show close-up butt shots and bb shots in bikinis. No idea of storytelling.”.
The criticism has not been limited to the bikini scene alone. Alpha has opened to mixed-to-negative reviews from both audiences and critics. Some have called it “emotionally hollow” and a “cringe fest”. Others have praised the action sequences and the chemistry between the two leads.
About Alpha: The Seventh Installment in YRF Spy Universe
Alpha is the seventh film in the YRF Spy Universe and the first female-led chapter in the franchise. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film stars Alia Bhatt as Sita, a fearless secret agent known as the “Alpha Killer,” and Sharvari as a fellow spy who teams up with her on a high-stakes mission.
The film also features Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and a cameo appearance by Hrithik Roshan. Produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, Alpha follows the story of a trained assassin injected with a super-soldier serum, who must rise up and fight her own mentor.
The film was originally scheduled for release earlier but faced multiple delays before finally arriving in theatres on July 3, 2026. It has a runtime of 140 minutes and received a UA 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Makers Yet to Respond to Social Media Backlash
As of now, the makers of Alpha have not released any official statement regarding the reactions on social media. Neither Yash Raj Films nor the actors have addressed the controversy. The film continues to play in theatres across India and worldwide, and it remains to be seen whether the backlash will affect its box office performance.
Alpha collected Rs 1.75 crore in advance bookings ahead of its release. Trade experts are keeping a close watch on the film’s first-weekend numbers, especially given the mixed word-of-mouth.
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Previous Leaks and Promotional Controversies
This is not the first time Alpha has been in the news for leaked content. Earlier, alleged leaked photos of Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, and Bobby Deol surfaced online, sparking debates over whether they were real or AI-generated. In May 2026, an X account shared blurry visuals claiming to be leaked pictures from the film’s climax sequence.
More recently, Hrithik Roshan‘s cameo scene from Alpha was also leaked online, with fans calling it the “best scene” in the film. The makers had previously urged fans to say no to spoilers and piracy, but the leaks have continued despite their appeals.
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