The 2026 Malayalam Onam season is getting ready for another major theatrical attraction with Khalifa, the much-awaited Prithviraj Sukumaran film directed by hitmaker Vysakh. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 20 August 2026, positioning it among the notable Malayalam cinema releases arriving for the festive season.
Khalifa brings together several successful combinations from Malayalam cinema. Vysakh reunites with Prithviraj after Pokkiri Raja, while writer Jinu Abraham once again collaborates with the actor after films including Adam Joan, London Bridge, Masters and Kaduva.
Another highlight is the return of the Prithviraj Sukumaran–Jakes Bejoy combination, with the music of Khalifa already gaining attention ahead of its theatrical arrival.
Khalifa Malayalam Movie Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie | Khalifa |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Release | 2026 Onam Season |
| Worldwide Release Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Director | Vysakh |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Heroine | Malavika Sharma |
| Prithviraj’s Character | Mambarakayil Aamir Ali |
| Mohanlal’s Character | Mambarakayil Ahmed Ali |
| Writer | Jinu Abraham |
| Producer | Jinu V. Abraham |
| Production Banner | Jinu Innovations |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Editor | Chaman Chakko |
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Thudakkam, the debut film of Vismaya Mohanlal, was released in theatres on 7 August 2026. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film opened to positive reviews and is running successfully in cinemas.
Vysakh and Prithviraj Sukumaran Reunite After Pokkiri Raja
One of the major attractions of Khalifa is the reunion of Vysakh and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The actor-director combination previously worked together in Pokkiri Raja, making their return with Khalifa an important element surrounding the film.
Vysakh, known for handling large-scale commercial entertainers, directs Khalifa from a screenplay written by Jinu Abraham.
The film also continues the creative association between Prithviraj and Jinu Abraham. They previously worked together on films including Adam Joan, London Bridge, Masters and Kaduva.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Mambarakayil Aamir Ali
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the character Mambarakayil Aamir Ali in Khalifa.
The film is one of the major Malayalam projects featuring the actor during the 2026 Onam season, with the theatrical release planned globally on 20 August.
The combination of Prithviraj, director Vysakh and writer Jinu Abraham is among the key factors building anticipation around the movie.
Malavika Sharma Plays the Female Lead
South Indian actress Malavika Sharma plays the female lead in Khalifa.
The film brings Malavika Sharma opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran in the Vysakh directorial, adding another prominent South Indian name to the project.
Mohanlal as Mambarakayil Ahmed Ali
Another major attraction of Khalifa is Mohanlal‘s guest appearance. The Malayalam superstar appears as Mambarakayil Ahmed Ali.
Prithviraj and Mohanlal have previously been associated with films including Bro Daddy, Lucifer and Empuraan. Their combination has received considerable audience attention, adding further expectations to Mohanlal’s appearance in Khalifa.
With Prithviraj playing Mambarakayil Aamir Ali and Mohanlal appearing as Mambarakayil Ahmed Ali, their presence becomes another interesting element of the film.
Jakes Bejoy and Prithviraj Combination Returns
Music is another important component of Khalifa. Jakes Bejoy handles the music for the film, continuing his association with Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Jakes Bejoy previously composed songs for the 2018 Prithviraj film Ranam. He also composed the music for the widely appreciated 2020 film Ayyappanum Koshiyum.
Their latest collaboration has already attracted attention through the first song from Khalifa.
Asalayavale Song Crosses 3 Million Views
The first song from Khalifa, Asalayavale, has received a strong response after its release.
Created through the Jakes Bejoy–Sid Sriram combination, the song crossed 3 million views and continued trending, providing an early boost to the film ahead of its Onam theatrical release.
The response to Asalayavale has further strengthened interest in the soundtrack and the Prithviraj–Jakes Bejoy combination.
Khalifa Production and Technical Crew
Khalifa is produced by Jinu V. Abraham under the banner of Jinu Innovations. Sooraj Kumar, Sreelal Soorapani and Sijo Sebastian serve as co-producers.
The film brings together an extensive technical team for the large-scale production.
Khalifa Set for the 2026 Onam Movie Season
Khalifa combines several familiar and successful collaborations – Prithviraj Sukumaran and Vysakh, Prithviraj and Jinu Abraham, and Prithviraj and Jakes Bejoy – while Malavika Sharma joins the project as the female lead.
Mohanlal’s guest appearance as Mambarakayil Ahmed Ali adds another major attraction to the film.
With its worldwide theatrical release fixed for 20 August 2026, Khalifa is set to join the Malayalam films arriving in cinemas as part of the 2026 Onam release season.
