Discover the Must-Watch Films Before YRF's Groundbreaking Female-Led Spy Thriller!

The YRF Spy Universe has captivated audiences with its interconnected spy thrillers. As the latest film, Alpha, premieres, discover five essential movies from this franchise that set the stage for this groundbreaking female-led action thriller. From the romantic tension in Ek Tha Tiger to the high-stakes rescue in Tiger Zinda Hai, each film contributes to the rich tapestry of this cinematic universe. Don't miss out on these must-watch films before diving into Alpha, which promises to deliver intense action and a fresh perspective on the spy genre.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2026, 15:53 IST

Exploring the YRF Spy Universe

The YRF Spy Universe has revolutionized the Hindi spy thriller genre, delivering a series of blockbuster films that are intricately connected. Each installment features recurring characters and plotlines that weave the universe together. Notable films such as Ek Tha Tiger, War, and Pathaan have become iconic within this franchise. The latest addition, Alpha, premieres today, July 3. Here are five essential films from this franchise that you should watch before experiencing Yash Raj Films' first female-led action spy thriller.

1. Ek Tha Tiger

In this film, RAW agent Tiger, portrayed by Salman Khan, embarks on a covert mission to monitor an Indian scientist suspected of espionage. During his assignment, he encounters Zoya (Katrina Kaif), who is actually an ISI agent posing as the scientist's caretaker. Their romance is tested by the conflict between love and duty, and the film grossed Rs. 320 crore globally.

2. Tiger Zinda Hai

This 2017 sequel follows Tiger and Zoya as they return from exile to rescue Indian and Pakistani nurses kidnapped by an Iraqi militant. The collaboration between RAW and ISI agents leads to a thrilling rescue mission, and the film achieved a worldwide gross of Rs. 558 crore.

3. War

In War, elite RAW agent Major Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) finds himself on the run from his own protégé, Khalid (Tiger Shroff), who suspects him of betrayal. The film unfolds as a global cat-and-mouse chase, revealing Kabir's complex motives. It garnered a worldwide gross of Rs. 471 crore.

4. Pathaan

This film became the highest-grossing entry in the YRF Spy Universe, featuring an exiled RAW agent, Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan), who returns to thwart a former agent, Jim, planning a devastating attack on India. With the help of ISI agent Rubia (Deepika Padukone), Pathaan's mission is intensified by a memorable cameo from Tiger. The film achieved a remarkable worldwide gross of Rs. 1,055 crores.

5. Alpha

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha boasts a star-studded cast including Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Hrithik Roshan. As the first female-led action film in the YRF Spy Universe, it focuses on two female operatives combating an illegal program, featuring intense and gritty action sequences. The film is set to make its debut in theaters worldwide today.