Khalifa, the much-awaited Malayalam movie starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is all set for its worldwide theatrical release on 20 August 2026 as an Onam release. Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu Abraham, the film has completed its censoring formalities and received a U/A 16+ certificate.
Interestingly, the makers are sticking to the release date they announced around seven months ago along with the teaser. Khalifa began filming in January, completed its shooting schedule on time and has now cleared censoring ahead of the previously announced theatrical release.
The Khalifa trailer is expected to arrive soon, adding to the anticipation surrounding the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer ahead of its 20 August release.
Khalifa Movie Release Date, Cast and Crew
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie | Khalifa |
| Release Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Release | Worldwide Theatrical Release |
| Censor Certificate | U/A 16+ |
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer | Jinu Abraham |
| Producer | Jinu Abraham |
| Production Banner | Jinu Innovations |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Character | Mambarakkal Aamir Ali |
| Female Lead | Malvika Sharma |
| Special Appearance | Mohanlal as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Editing | Chaman Chakko |
Khalifa Sticks to Its Originally Announced Release Date
One of the notable aspects of Khalifa is that the movie will arrive on the date announced several months in advance. When the teaser was released around seven months ago, the makers had confirmed 20 August 2026 as the theatrical release date.
The team has now completed censoring and is moving ahead with the same date. The movie had started shooting in January, and production was also completed according to schedule.
At a time when theatrical release dates can change even after films enter the post-production stage, Khalifa maintaining its originally announced date highlights the planning behind the project.
The film will therefore arrive in theatres worldwide on Thursday, 20 August, joining the Onam 2026 theatrical releases.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Mambarakkal Aamir Ali
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Mambarakkal Aamir Ali in Khalifa, with South Indian actress Malvika Sharma appearing as the female lead.
Adding further star power to the movie, Mohanlal makes a special appearance as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali.
The cast also includes Renji Panicker, Shivajith, Indrans, Shammi Thilakan, Shine Varghese, Mohini, Kyra and Master Nafash, among others.
The combination of Prithviraj Sukumaran and director Vysakh is one of the major attractions of Khalifa, while Mohanlal’s special appearance adds another element of anticipation to the film.
Khalifa Trailer Expected Soon
With censoring completed and the theatrical release approaching, attention is now turning towards the Khalifa trailer. Reports indicate that the trailer is expected to be released soon as part of the final phase of promotions.
The teaser had already introduced audiences to the film several months before its theatrical arrival. Songs from Khalifa, composed by Jakes Bejoy, have also been released and continue to gain attention ahead of the movie’s release.
Vysakh Directs Khalifa, Jinu Abraham Writes and Produces
Khalifa is directed by Vysakh, while the screenplay is written by Jinu Abraham. Jinu Abraham also produces the movie under the banner of Jinu Innovations.
Sooraj Kumar, Sreelal Soorapani and Sijo Sebastian serve as co-producers, while Shine Varghese is the executive producer.
The film brings together an extensive technical team for the large-scale theatrical project.
Khalifa Technical Crew
Jomon T. John handles the cinematography, with Jakes Bejoy composing the music and Chaman Chakko handling editing. Mohandas serves as production designer.
The action sequences are handled by Yannick Ben, Phoenix Prabhu and Chetan D’Souza, while Suresh Divakar serves as co-director. Mashar Hamsa handles costumes, Viswanath Aravind is the art director, and Amal Chandran handles makeup.
Sync Cinema is responsible for sound design, with Jabir Sulaim providing additional music and M.R. Rajakrishnan handling the final mix. Reni Divakar and Vinosh Kaimal serve as production controllers.
The remaining technical team includes Sreek Varier as colorist, Aesthetic Kunjamma for poster design, Color Planet for DI, and Prasanth Nair (3DS) for VFX. Vipin Kumar Pophatio handles promotions and marketing, while Sinet Xavier handles still photography.
Khalifa Worldwide Release on 20 August 2026
With censoring now completed and a U/A 16+ certificate secured, Khalifa is on track to reach theatres on its originally announced date.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa will release worldwide on 20 August 2026, becoming one of the major Malayalam theatrical releases for the Onam season. The upcoming trailer is expected to offer audiences a closer look at Vysakh’s much-awaited film before its theatrical arrival.
Stay tuned to Kerala TV for more updates about Khalifa movie release, trailer, cast, songs and the latest Malayalam cinema news.
