‘Khalifa’ first review: ‘Stylish Prithviraj’ or predictable plot? Here's what X users are saying

Prithviraj Sukumaran's ‘Khalifa’ has made its Onam debut, and moviegoers who caught the early shows have wasted no time sharing their verdicts online.

From praise for the action and Prithviraj's look to complaints about predictable stretches, the first reactions are mixed.

Directed by Vysakh, the action crime thriller opened across India and overseas on Thursday, August 20.

The film had already built considerable curiosity around Prithviraj's stylish avatar, its gold-smuggling backdrop and the presence of Mohanlal. The recently released trailer introduced Prithviraj as Mambarakal Aamir Ali, a character connected to an international gold-smuggling network.

Viewers have started sharing their immediate reactions on X. While some have praised the lead actor, action and Jakes Bejoy's music, others have found the first half predictable or lacking impact.

‘Stylish Prithviraj’ gets praise, but narration draws criticism

One viewer felt Prithviraj's screen presence and the background score were among the film's stronger points, but wasn't impressed with the way the story unfolded.

“Stylish Prithviraj & Jakes Bejoy’s BGM r only positives so far. Highly Predictable Narration. Gold Smuggling Scenes r outdated. Hoping for a BIG Second Half.”

Another viewer was similarly underwhelmed by the first half, particularly the action portions.

“Average first half!! Bridge fight sequence and the UK fight sequence were completely impactless. Jakes bgm waiting for second half.”

Some viewers are already hoping for a big second half

Not all the early reactions were negative. One social media user described the first half as above average and suggested that the second half could determine the film's overall reception.

“#Khalifa’s first half is receiving above average reviews all over If they deliver a BANGER second half, Khalifa is going to be the Onam winner. Hope the second half lives up to the hype. The verdict will also depend on how they present L. ”

“Slowly Started With Detailed Staging With Emotions. Pre Interval 30 Miniute Was Absolute Adrenaline Rush AURA RAJ OPENING SCENE, FIGHTS WERE Specially with Jakes Pannal Laletten Build Ups Were Pure Goosebumps,” shared another user.

What is Khalifa about?

The film follows Mambarakal Aamir Ali, a figure caught up in a powerful gold-smuggling network with operations stretching from the Middle East to India. The story also revolves around crime, family legacy, revenge and the struggle for control of a sprawling criminal empire.

Prithviraj plays the central character, while the cast includes Mohanlal, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Indrans and Sanju Sivaram, among others. The film also features Tovino Thomas and other prominent actors.

Mohanlal's appearance has been one of the biggest talking points surrounding the film. Prithviraj recently clarified that the film mainly introduces Mohanlal's character, leaving room for his story to potentially be explored further.

Vysakh and Prithviraj reunite

‘Khalifa’ brings director Vysakh and Prithviraj together again for a large-scale action film after ‘Pokkiri Raja’. Jakes Bejoy has composed the music and background score.

The film was certified UA 16+ by the CBFC and has a runtime of around 159 minutes.