The new scintillation in B-city is the buzz around Alia Bhatt’s tent-pole action spy movie called Alpha. It was previously scheduled to be released earlier this year but has now been moved back on the calendar. There has been speculation from sources throughout the industry who have been connected to either Alia Bhatt or Yash Raj Films that the move was not merely due to an issue with the film’s visual effects.
According to some reports, the delay of Alia Bhatt's film has been caused in part due to an apparent scheduling conflict with another film starring Salman Khan called Battle of Galwan.
What’s Officially Said About Alpha’s Delay
Last month, YRF confirmed that Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, would now hit theaters on April 17, 2026 instead of the earlier December 25, 2025 slot. The reason given: the movie’s VFX work needs extra time to ensure high‑end action and cinematic quality.
This kind of delay around a big‑budget action film isn’t unusual — especially when filmmakers want to polish effects that play a central role in story and spectacle.
The Rumor Mill: Avoiding a Box Office Clash
But industry chatter today points to another reason behind the shift and this one’s getting everyone talking.
According to recent trade reports, Alpha’s makers might have opted to vacate the April 17 slot to avoid pitting Alia Bhatt’s big‑budget entertainer directly against Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan in the same window. The latter is a patriotic war movie based on the 2020 India‑China clash, a subject that carries strong audience interest and could dominate box office attention.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh hinted at this on social media, noting that YRF would assess the calendar before locking in a new date, effectively giving Salman’s project clearer space to shine without a head‑to‑head battle.
Is This a Forced Change or a Strategic Move?
Here’s the controversial twist: nothing has been officially confirmed that Alpha changed dates to make way for Battle of Galwan. YRF’s official stance remains focused on technical quality.
But in Bollywood, where superstar films and box office strategy often shape release calendars, many believe this isn’t just coincidence. Salman Khan’s movies routinely dominate holiday and festival windows with massive opening crowds. Sacrificing a direct clash — especially with two action‑heavy films targeting similar audiences — might be more strategic than forced.
Some insiders even frame it as an industry courtesy from YRF boss Aditya Chopra to Salman Khan, valuing long‑standing relationships over competition.
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What this signifies
This situation highlights a shift in how big films plan their launches:
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Movies are no longer just about production readiness.
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Box office clashes can significantly impact a film’s opening numbers.
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Even technical delays take on a second layer when another major movie is in the same timeframe.
Fans of both films are watching closely. Battle of Galwan has already stirred attention with its patriotic theme and action sequences, while Alpha marks one of Alia Bhatt’s most ambitious action roles yet, and a landmark as part of a wider YRF Spy Universe.
Whether this was a forced industry compromise or a smart strategic pivot, one thing’s clear: Bollywood’s release calendar is always more than just dates on a poster.
