Mohanlal to Appear in a Pivotal Role Alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran in the Big-Budget Action Thriller
One of the biggest highlights of Khalifa is the inclusion of Mohanlal in a pivotal role. The superstar plays Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, a legendary character whose legacy forms the foundation of the story.
Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V. Abraham, Khalifa stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role as Mambarakkal Aamir Ali, the grandson of Ahmed Ali. The film is produced by Jinu V. Abraham and Suraj Kumar under the banner Jinu Innovation, with Sijo Sebastian as co-producer.
🎬 Khalifa Movie Highlights
| 🎥 Category | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| Movie | Khalifa |
| Director | Vysakh |
| Writer | Jinu V. Abraham |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Mohanlal’s Character | Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali |
| Prithviraj’s Character | Mambarakkal Aamir Ali |
| Genre | Mass Action Thriller |
| Worldwide Release | 20 August 2026 |
🎭 Mohanlal as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali
Mohanlal appears in Khalifa as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, a powerful and influential character whose story extends across two films.
While he makes a special appearance in the first installment, the makers have confirmed that the second part of Khalifa will feature Mohanlal in the lead role. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who headlines the first film, will also be part of the sequel.
This unique storytelling approach connects two generations through the characters of Ahmed Ali and Aamir Ali, expanding the world of Khalifa into a two-part cinematic saga.
🎥 The Bloodline Glimpse Introduced Both Characters
The official glimpse titled “The Bloodline”, released on Prithviraj Sukumaran’s birthday, introduced audiences to both Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali and Mambarakkal Aamir Ali through the narration delivered by Indrans’ character.
The glimpse generated significant attention by teasing the film’s large-scale action, stylish visuals, and expansive narrative without revealing major plot details.
The promotional video also hinted that Khalifa is set against the backdrop of gold smuggling, featuring high-octane action sequences, thrilling chase scenes, and an international scale rarely seen in Malayalam cinema.
The film carries the striking tagline:
“Prathikaram Suvarna Lipikalal Ezhuthappedum.”
🌍 Shot Across International Locations
Mounted on a grand scale, Khalifa has been filmed across several countries.
📍 Major Shooting Locations
- 🇬🇧 London
- 🇦🇪 Dubai
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇳🇵 Nepal
The project also reunites Vysakh and Prithviraj Sukumaran after Pokkiri Raja.
It marks another collaboration between Jinu V. Abraham and Prithviraj, following successful films including:
- Adam Joan
- London Bridge
- Masters
- Kaduva
📰 Latest Khalifa Updates
| 🆕 Update | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Worldwide Release | Khalifa will release globally on 20 August 2026 as an Onam release. |
| 🎵 First Song | “Nilave”, composed by Jakes Bejoy, will be released as a lyric video on 20 July 2026. |
Conclusion
With Mohanlal portraying Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali and Prithviraj Sukumaran leading the first installment as Mambarakkal Aamir Ali, Khalifa is shaping up to be one of Malayalam cinema’s most ambitious action franchises. The film’s expansive storyline, international locations, and two-part narrative have made it one of the most anticipated releases of 2026.
