Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa Movie has arrived in theatres as a high-voltage mass action family entertainer for the Onam 2026 season. Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu Abraham, the film opened on 20 August with Prithviraj appearing as Mambarakkal Aamir Ali and Mohanlal making a special appearance as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali.
The film combines Prithviraj’s mass avatar with Vysakh’s familiar commercial treatment, elaborate action sequences, punch dialogues and a story built around family, betrayal and the legacy of the Mambarakkal family.
Jakes Bejoy’s music, Jomon T. John’s cinematography and Chaman Chakko’s editing contribute significantly to the scale and energy of the movie.
Khalifa Movie – Review and Details
| Khalifa Movie | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Genre | Mass Action Family Entertainer |
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer | Jinu Abraham |
| Producer | Jinu Abraham |
| Production Banner | Jinu Innovations |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Character | Mambarakkal Aamir Ali |
| Special Appearance | Mohanlal as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Editing | Chaman Chakko |
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Mass Avatar as Aamir Ali
Khalifa places Prithviraj Sukumaran firmly at the centre of its mass-action world.
As Mambarakkal Aamir Ali, the actor gets an action-oriented character supported by punch dialogues and elaborate set pieces. The film also presents Prithviraj in a distinctive look created for Aamir Ali.
Vysakh approaches the material as a large-scale commercial entertainer rather than restricting it to an action thriller. Family relationships and the history surrounding Aamir Ali are therefore important to the conflict alongside the action.
What Is the Story of Khalifa Movie?
The film opens with a dramatic incident involving Aamir Ali and his close companion Samad.
Aamir turns Samad over to Customs shortly after his sister’s wedding. While in Customs custody, Samad begins narrating Aamir Ali’s story, opening the door to the history of the Mambarakkal family.
The narrative traces the descendants of Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali and their association with the world of gold smuggling.
Ahmed Ali’s son last saw his father when he was sixteen and subsequently decides that he will never become involved in gold smuggling.
Life, however, takes an unexpected turn when he is punished for an offence he did not commit. The circumstances force him towards the very world he had attempted to avoid.
From this family history emerges Aamir Ali and his battle to protect his family and settle the accounts of the past.
Mohanlal as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali
One of the most anticipated elements surrounding Khalifa Movie was Mohanlal’s special appearance.
Speculation intensified following the trailer, particularly around its closing portion. The theatrical release confirms Mohanlal’s presence as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, adding another dimension to the Mambarakkal family history.
The appearance also brings Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal into the same film, with their characters connected through the larger family narrative.
Music, Action and Technical Treatment
The technical departments play an important role in creating the film’s mass-entertainer presentation.
Jakes Bejoy handles the music, while Jomon T. John is responsible for the cinematography. Chaman Chakko has edited the film.
The action department includes Yannick Ben, Phoenix Prabhu and Chetan D’Souza, reflecting the importance given to action sequences within the film.
Vysakh combines these elements with his established commercial filmmaking style to give Khalifa its large-screen treatment.
Khalifa Movie Cast
Alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal, the film features Malavika Sharma, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Renji Panicker, Sanju Sivram, Shivajith, Indrans, Shammi Thilakan, Shine Varghese, Anand Manmadhan, Don Michael, Mohini, Kyraa and Master Nafash.
Malavika Sharma and Neil Nitin Mukesh also make their Malayalam cinema appearances through the project.
Khalifa Movie Cast and Crew
| Department | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer & Producer | Jinu Abraham |
| Co-Producers | Sooraj Kumar, Sreelal Soorapani, Sijo Sebastian |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Editor | Chaman Chakko |
| Production Designer | Mohandas |
| Action | Yannick Ben, Phoenix Prabhu, Chetan D’Souza |
| Co-Director | Suresh Divakar |
| Executive Producer | Shine Varghese |
| Costumes | Mashar Hamsa |
| Art Direction | Viswanath Aravind |
| Makeup | Amal Chandran |
| Sound Design | Sync Cinema |
| Additional Music | Jabir Sulaim |
| Final Mix | M.R. Rajakrishnan |
| Production Controllers | Reni Divakar, Vinosh Kaimal |
Khalifa as an Onam 2026 Theatrical Release
Releasing on 20 August, Khalifa Movie arrives ahead of the main Onam celebrations with the ingredients of a festival-oriented Malayalam commercial entertainer.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aamir Ali, Mohanlal’s special appearance, Vysakh’s action treatment and the Mambarakkal family story form its primary attractions.
The theatrical release has also brought a significant development for the future of the film: the story is not ending with Khalifa.
The makers have officially announced a second instalment titled Khalifa The Legacy.
Stay tuned to Kerala TV for Khalifa Movie updates, box-office reports and details about Khalifa The Legacy.
