Filmmaker Karan Johar has come out in support of Alia Bhatt's latest release, Alpha, amid online criticism, describing its opening as a "solid start" at a time when cinemas continue to face challenges in attracting audiences. The Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe entry, which released on July 3, has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers, but Johar said audience response was far more important than negativity on social media.
In a post shared on his Instagram Stories, the 54-year-old filmmaker praised Bhatt's "stardom and theatrical pull" along with her "unquestionable talent." He also said that ambitious big-screen productions like Alpha deserved appreciation rather than online toxicity.
Commenting on the film's opening-day performance, Johar wrote, "When footfalls are a challenge, ALPHA takes a solid start! It emphasises many things; the audience is way above online negativity, and they are the true warriors."
He went on to commend Bhatt's box-office appeal and YRF's continued investment in theatrical spectacles.
"The stardom and theatrical pull and unquestionable talent of Alia Bhatt and the impact of a big screen spectacle is undebatable, and that YRF has a continued franchise and an endeavour to create theatrical tentpole experiences that need our applause and not any toxicity!" he wrote.
Johar concluded by encouraging audiences to support cinemas instead of engaging in online discourse.
"Please relax and celebrate that the cinemas are breathing!!! Go watch Alpha and stop doom-scrolling!!" he added.
Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra, Alpha follows two estranged women who reunite to uncover the truth behind the covert Operation Odyssey while confronting a powerful new threat. Alongside Alia Bhatt, the film stars Sharvari, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, with Hrithik Roshan making a special appearance. Dia Mirza also plays a key role. The film is the seventh instalment in the YRF Spy Universe.
According to trade website Sacnilk, Alpha earned Rs 16.10 crore worldwide on its opening day. The film collected Rs 9.25 crore nett in India, translating to a domestic gross of Rs 11.10 crore, while overseas markets contributed Rs 5 crore.
With its first-day India collection, Alpha surpassed the opening-day figures of Bhatt's Raazi (Rs 7.53 crore nett) and Jigra (Rs 5 crore). It also matched the opening of Crew at Rs 9.25 crore and registered the third-highest opening for a female-led Bollywood film in India, behind Veere Di Wedding and Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film sold around 224,000 tickets on its opening day and witnessed strong late-night occupancy across major cities.
