The makers of Khalifa, the much-awaited action thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Vysakh, have announced the release of the film’s first song. Titled “Nilave”, the lyric video will be unveiled on 20 July at 6:00 PM, while the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 20 August 2026 as an Onam release.
Produced by Jinu Abraham and Suraj Kumar under the banner of Jinu Innovation, Khalifa is one of the biggest Malayalam films currently in production, bringing together an impressive cast and crew for a large-scale action entertainer.
🎬 Khalifa – Key Highlights
| 🎥 Category | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| Movie | Khalifa |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer | Jinu Abraham |
| First Song | Nilave |
| Lyric Video Release | 20 July 2026 – 6:00 PM |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Worldwide Release | 20 August 2026 |
| Genre | Mass Action Thriller |
🎵 “Nilave” Lyric Video Arrives on 20 July
The first single from Khalifa, titled “Nilave,” will be released as a lyric video on 20 July 2026 at 6:00 PM.
The song is composed by Jakes Bejoy, with vocals and contributions from Sid Sriram, Makbool Mansoor, and Muthu, promising a soulful musical experience ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
🎬 Prithviraj Leads the Story as Aamir Ali
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Mamparakkal Aamir Ali, the central character in the film.
The movie carries the powerful tagline:
“Revenge Will Be Written in Golden Letters.”
Adding to the excitement, Mohanlal makes a special appearance as Mamparakkal Ahmed Ali. The makers have also confirmed that the second installment of the franchise will feature Mohanlal in the lead role as Ahmed Ali.
Related Story: Prithviraj Sukumaran’s latest film I Nobody is currently running successfully in theatres. The makers are yet to announce the film’s OTT release date and streaming platform. An official update is expected after the theatrical run concludes.
💰 Story Set Against the Backdrop of Gold Smuggling
Earlier promotional glimpses hinted that Khalifa is a large-scale action entertainer revolving around the world of gold smuggling.
Packed with stylish action, thrilling chase sequences, and a grand cinematic canvas, the film is expected to be one of the biggest Malayalam releases of the year.
Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is also part of the cast, marking his Malayalam cinema debut.
🌍 Shot Across Multiple Countries
The film has been extensively shot across several international and Indian locations.
📍 Major Shooting Locations
- 🇬🇧 London
- 🇦🇪 Dubai
- 🇮🇳 Kerala
- 🇳🇵 Nepal
Khalifa also marks the reunion of Prithviraj Sukumaran and Vysakh after the blockbuster Pokkiri Raja.
It is also another collaboration between Prithviraj and Jinu Abraham, following films including:
- Adam Joan
- London Bridge
- Masters
- Kaduva
👥 Cast
| ⭐ Actor | 🎭 Role |
|---|---|
| Prithviraj Sukumaran | Mamparakkal Aamir Ali |
| Mohanlal | Mamparakkal Ahmed Ali (Special Appearance) |
| Neil Nitin Mukesh | Malayalam Debut |
🎬 Technical Crew
| 🎥 Department | 👤 Credits |
|---|---|
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer | Jinu Abraham |
| Producers | Jinu Abraham, Suraj Kumar |
| Co-Producer | Sijo Sebastian |
| Executive Producer | Shine Varghese |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Additional Music | Jabir Sulaim |
| Editor | Chaman Chacko |
| Production Designer | Mohandas |
| Action | Yannick Ben |
| Co-Director | Suresh Divakar |
| Costume Designer | Mashar Hamsa |
| Art Director | Vishwanath Aravind |
| Makeup | Amal Chandran |
| Sound Design | Sync Cinema |
| Final Mix | M. R. Rajakrishnan |
| Production Controllers | Reni Divakar, Vinosh Kaimal |
| Colorist | Sreek Varrier |
| VFX | Prashanth Nair (3DS) |
| Poster Design | Aesthetic Kunjamma |
| DI | Color Planet |
| Stills | Cinet Xavier |
| Promotions & Marketing | Vipin Kumar (Poffactio) |
| PRO | Sabari |
📅 Important Dates
| 📅 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Nilave Lyric Video | 20 July 2026 |
| Worldwide Theatrical Release | 20 August 2026 |
Conclusion
With the release of “Nilave” on 20 July 2026, the promotional campaign for Khalifa enters its next phase ahead of its 20 August 2026 worldwide theatrical release. Featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, a special appearance by Mohanlal, music by Jakes Bejoy, and direction by Vysakh, the film is shaping up to be one of the biggest Malayalam action entertainers of the year.
