In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood and its burgeoning spy-thriller fan base, reports indicate that Yash Raj Films (YRF) is making a major creative shift for its upcoming female-led spy universe instalment, Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt. Industry insiders suggest that YRF head Aditya Chopra is actively pursuing Shah Rukh Khan to make a pivotal cameo as the hugely popular RAW agent Pathaan, potentially sidelining earlier plans for a Hrithik Roshan (Agent Kabir) appearance. The move is a clear strategic play to leverage the massive success of Pathaan and build immediate buzz for the sequel, Pathaan 2, especially after a perceived dip in the Spy Universe’s recent box office performance.
Originally, reports had widely circulated that Hrithik Roshan’s smooth-talking, high-octane agent Kabir would feature in Alpha—likely mentoring Alia Bhatt’s character, given that she and co-star Sharvari Wagh are reportedly playing agents trained by Kabir. However, the subsequent box office performance of a recent Spy Universe film, War 2, appears to have triggered a significant course correction at YRF headquarters.
The character of Pathaan, whose eponymous film remains the highest-grossing title in the Spy Universe, represents a crucial anchor for the franchise. Sources reveal that Aditya Chopra has personally reached out to Shah Rukh Khan, viewing a Pathaan cameo as the most effective tool to inject fresh excitement and commercial viability into Alpha. The cameo is reportedly being designed as a special part that will directly set up the storyline and anticipation for Pathaan 2, ensuring a stronger trajectory for the sequel.
While the potential crossover is a dream scenario for fans and a strategic necessity for YRF, a key hurdle remains: Shah Rukh Khan’s packed schedule. The superstar is currently devoting bulk dates to his highly anticipated action-thriller, King.
Insider reports suggest that YRF has requested SRK to allocate three to four days of shooting in early November for the Alpha sequence. However, with the actor fully committed to his King schedule for the month, he has reportedly asked for time to consider the request and adjust his existing commitments. If a full-fledged cameo proves impossible due to the scheduling conflict, the option of shooting a post-credit sequence for Alpha is also on the table. The decision is expected within a week to ten days, as the film barrels towards its speculated Christmas 2025 release.
The potential switch does not necessarily spell the end of Kabir’s association with Alpha. Given the early-stage reports about the War 2 fallout, the nature of Kabir’s involvement could be completely re-written or reduced. It is plausible that while Kabir remains the mentor figure, Pathaan is introduced at a critical juncture—possibly at the end of the film—to recruit or brief the agents on a larger, universe-wide threat, thus effectively bridging Alpha to the upcoming Pathaan 2.
This high-stakes internal negotiation highlights YRF’s focus on maximizing the crossover potential of its biggest characters. With Shah Rukh Khan’s decision looming, all eyes are now firmly fixed on how the studio will navigate its strategic imperative to use Pathaan as the launching pad for the next phase of its ambitious Spy Universe. This cameo, if it happens, will not just be an appearance; it will be a decisive move in shaping the future of India’s biggest espionage franchise.
