Alpha leads diverse first week of July as theatres roll out nine releases

MUMBAI: Lights, camera, distraction, the first week of July is rolling out enough stories to keep every kind of moviegoer in their seat. From high-octane espionage and psychological thrillers to mythology, wrestling, animation and historical drama, cinemas are serving up a packed slate of nine theatrical releases across languages.

Leading the charge is Alpha, releasing on 3 July, which expands the YRF Spy Universe with its first female-led instalment. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite agents, the action thriller revolves around a mission involving national security, global espionage and high-stakes intrigue. Bobby Deol plays the antagonist, Anil Kapoor appears in a pivotal role, while Hrithik Roshan’s Major Kabir makes a special appearance to further connect the film to the growing spy franchise.

Also arriving on 3 July is Baby Do Die Do, a psychological crime thriller headlined by Huma Qureshi. Set against Mumbai’s underworld, the film follows Baby, a deaf and mute contract killer driven by revenge and haunted by the voice of her deceased sister, as a string of murders draws investigators closer.

Telugu cinema brings mythology and adventure with Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure, which releases on 2 July. Featuring Virat Karrna, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon and Jagapathi Babu, the film combines archaeology, folklore and action in a hunt for an ancient treasure hidden beneath centuries-old legends and temple secrets.

Another 3 July release, Rao Bahadur, stars Satyadev Kancharana in a psychological family drama set within a fading aristocratic household. Produced by Mahesh Babu, the film explores power, legacy and generational conflict as an ageing patriarch struggles to retain control.

Sports comedy returns with Gatta Kusthi 2, reuniting Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi. Releasing on 3 July, the sequel follows the couple as they navigate wrestling careers alongside marriage and family life, blending humour, sport and emotional drama.

Kannada audiences will see Graamaayana arrive on 4 July. Starring Vinay Rajkumar, Amrutha Iyengar and Sampath Raj, the rural drama focuses on village traditions, family relationships and community values.

Hollywood also has a strong presence this week. Animated feature Minions & Monsters, releasing on 2 July, sends the mischievous yellow characters into 1920s Hollywood, where an attempt to make the ultimate monster movie unleashes real monsters instead, promising family-friendly chaos and comedy.

On 3 July, The Death of Robin Hood offers a darker interpretation of the legendary outlaw, with Hugh Jackman portraying an older Robin Hood confronting regret, redemption and mortality in a grounded retelling of the classic tale.

Rounding off the week’s releases is Young Washington, also arriving on 3 July. Starring Finn Wittrock and Mckenna Grace, the historical drama explores the formative years of George Washington, tracing the experiences that shaped America’s first president.

With nine releases spanning Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hollywood cinema, the first week of July offers one of the year’s most varied theatrical line-ups, giving audiences everything from globe-trotting spies and mythical adventures to heartfelt dramas and family entertainment.