On July 3, 2026, a swarm of complaints erupted on X, Facebook, and Instagram over the latest trailer of Alpha, YRF’s new entry in its spy universe. Some viewers of the film Alpha say that it portrays Bobby Deol as a former Indian army soldier who turns rogue, and that trope has become a lightning rod for criticism.x
The film features Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as female operatives battling a covert army of super soldiers. The villain, Fateh, is a colonel who goes off the books, using his position to build a private force. For many, this is not just a plot device; it crosses into disrespect for the institution of the Indian Army.
Outrage Grows Over Alpha's Portrayal of Rogue Indian Soldiers
The heart of the backlash is simple: the narrative makes the Indian Army and intelligence services look weak and incompetent. Critics argue that the film shows RAW and the Army failing to identify an enemy who has already infiltrated their highest levels, reducing national security agencies to backdrop figures.facebook
Outrage grows over Alpha's portrayal of rogue Indian soldiers because it taps into a long-standing frustration. Indian audiences have seen similar arcs in multiple films—former officers turning traitors, intelligence agencies losing control, and rogue agents operating with impunity. Each time, the emotional cost is borne by the viewer’s trust in these institutions.
The criticism is not just about realism. It is about symbolism. When a film shows a colonel building a secret army of assassins, it suggests that the military’s loyalty can be bought, manipulated, or weaponised. For many, that implication feels too close to home, especially in a country where the Army is deeply revered.
The Trope of the Rogue Officer in Bollywood
This is not the first time Bollywood has used a rogue soldier as a villain. Films like Uri: The Surgical Strike, Tanhaji, and several spy thrillers have leaned on similar arcs: a patriot who becomes a traitor, a brother who turns antagonist, or a mentor who betrays the system.
The problem is repetition. Over time, these stories begin to feel formulaic. The rogue officer becomes a shorthand for drama, not a nuanced exploration of moral conflict. Alpha fits into this pattern, where the villain’s past as a colonel is more about shock value than deeper character work.
Outrage grows over Alpha's portrayal of rogue Indian soldiers because it reinforces a tired narrative. Instead of asking why a soldier might turn, the film uses his past rank to justify evil. It’s a shortcut that sacrifices complexity for spectacle.
Why This Debate Matters Beyond Cinema
Cinema is not just entertainment; it is a form of soft power. In India, films often shape how the public views national institutions,尤其 the military. When a film shows the Army as vulnerable to corruption or manipulation, it can erode public confidence, even subtly.
This is why the backlash is louder now. India’s relationship with its Army is almost sacred. Any narrative that undermines that bond is seen as an attack on national pride. The debate around Alpha is not just about one movie; it is about how India wants to tell its stories on the global stage.
For globally curious readers, the lesson is clear: entertainment that misfires on national symbols risks backlash. In an era of instant social media criticism, the margin for error is small.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
As Alpha moves from trailer to release, three things will determine the intensity of the controversy:
The film’s final dialogue and treatment of the rogue character
Whether the Army and RAW are shown as ultimately competent or consistently flawed
The response from official institutions or veteran groups
If the movie leans into the trope without nuance, the outrage will likely persist. But if it offers a deeper look into the psychological and moral cost of betrayal, it may find a way to shift the conversation.
Outrage grows over Alpha's portrayal of rogue Indian soldiers, but the real test is whether the film can move beyond the trope and offer something that feels fresh, not just familiar.
A Moment for Nuance in National Stories
The controversy around Alpha is a reminder that India’s stories are not just for domestic audiences. They shape how the world sees the country’s values, institutions, and priorities. When a film reduces a colonel to a villain without context, it loses more than credibility; it loses the chance to explore the human side of nationalism.
For creators, the takeaway is clear: the audience is ready for complexity. They want stories that challenge, not just confirm. The rogue officer can be a villain, but only if the film asks why, not just what.
As Alpha approaches its theatrical release, the debate will continue. But the real question is whether Bollywood will learn from this moment and move beyond the one-note soldier who turns traitor.
Outrage grows over Alpha's portrayal of rogue Indian soldiers, but the story is not just about anger; it is about the demand for better, deeper, and more honest storytelling in Indian cinema.
