Alia Bhatt's 'Alpha' advances release date to July 3; averts box office clash with 'Moana'

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari's much-awaited spy thriller 'Alpha' has reportedly moved up its release by a week. The film that has seen several date changes over the past months, will now reportedly hit the big screens on July 3, 2026, thus arriving a week before its previously announced release date of July 10.While there is no official announcement, reports suggest that the studio has locked the new release date after a clear window opened up at the domestic box office. According to trade buzz on Bollywood Hungama, the decision comes after 'Dhamaal 4' shifted its release from July 3 to July 17, opening up the weekend slot. With no major Hindi film currently scheduled for its release that weekend, 'Alpha' is believed to have seized the opportunity. A source told the portal, "July 3 has become the best day for Alpha. Dhamaal 4 is out of the way, and nothing major is scheduled for that weekend."The revised date would also help the film avoid a direct clash with Disney's highly anticipated live-action film 'Moana', which is slated to release on July 10. By arriving a week earlier, 'Alpha' could get a two-week headstart at the domestic box office and a week-long run at the international box office before it faces new competition.July has a bunch of films lined up for their releases, beginning with 'Minions and Monsters' on July 1.Alia Bhatt's 'Alpha' is reportedly set for its release on July 3.'Moana' is lined up for a July 10 release.The much talked about Christopher Nolan film 'The Odyssey' is slated for its release on July 17 along with 'Dhamaal 4'.'Alpha' was initially slated for a 2025 release, however, the makers then shifted its release to April 2026, followed by a shift to July 10. If reports prove accurate, July 3 will become the fourth release date attached to the project.The film is touted to be the first female-led instalment, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in lead roles. The film is said to be the next chapter in the YRF spy universe, previously dominated by male super-spies played by Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. Amid buzz that the film will feature cameos from Hrithik as Kabir from the 'War' franchise, with SRK also rumoured to return as 'Pathaan', latest reports indicate that the film may feature Alia as an assassin turned spy.An official announcement on the film's release date is still awaited.