Alia Bhatt Slammed for Calling Alpha Her ‘First Action Film’ — Netizens Point Out Jigra and Heart of Stone

Alia Bhatt’s recent declaration that Alpha will be her “first action film” has stirred controversy online, with many fans accusing her of overlooking earlier roles with action sequences—Jigra and Heart of Stone above all. The comment, made during Milan Fashion Week, has ignited debates about what actually qualifies as an “action movie.”

What Alia Said

During the Gucci Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week, Alia Bhatt, glowing in her role as a global brand ambassador, expressed excitement about Alpha, calling it a major milestone in her career. She said that it felt significant because it was her “first venture into action,” and she was curious to see how audiences would respond to this new avatar.

Netizens Push Back: “What About Jigra and Heart of Stone?”

Almost immediately after her comment, social media users reminded Alia of Jigra (2024) and Heart of Stone (her Hollywood feature), both of which featured action scenes. Some fans argued that those roles already qualify her as having done action work. One Redditor wrote, “Jigra was majorly action-oriented… if you say it didn’t count, then what defines an action film?” Another sarcastically joked that she’d “deleted Jigra, Heart of Stone, Kalank,” and other such films from her memory.

On the other hand, some defended Alia, suggesting that those earlier films had limited action elements, and that Alpha may be her first full-blown action movie—one centered around action rather than one with a few action set-pieces.

The Bigger Question: What Counts as an Action Film?

This debate has opened up deeper questions about genre boundaries. Can a movie be considered an “action film” if its action scenes are sporadic and not central to the plot? Should the presence of one or two fight sequences or chase scenes be enough? Fans arguing in Alia’s favor suggest Alpha is her first “proper action film,” distinguished by its spy-universe setting and presumably action-heavy narrative.

Opponents say genre distinctions are being used selectively, pointing out that many films blur boundaries and that audiences tend to remember a film’s identity not just by its marketing but by how central each genre’s elements are.

Controversy Adds Fuel to Jigra’s Past Struggles

Alia’s statement comes at a time when Jigra is still fresh in public memory—not just for its content but also its underwhelming box office performance. Some see Alia distancing herself from Jigra and similar projects, either because they didn’t succeed commercially or because they lacked the kind of “action profile” she now wishes to be associated with. Comments such as “Did you forget Jigra?” reflect a sentiment among fans that she might be attempting to rebrand or re-position her filmography strategically.

What This Means for Alpha

Alpha is set to be part of the YRF Spy Universe, directed by Shiv Rawail, with Alia in a female-led role. The buzz around this film is tied not just to its narrative but also to how it will define Alia’s presence in action cinema. Given the backlash, there’s pressure on Alpha to deliver on what fans expect: more action, intensity, and perhaps a clear departure from romantic or emotional leaning that characterize many of her earlier films.