‘Khalifa’ movie review: Prithviraj and Mohanlal bring swagger to a feast for action lovers

Some films are built around a story that audiences have seen before, while others try to make familiar material feel fresh through scale, staging and sheer cinematic energy. Vysakh’s ‘Khalifa’ belongs firmly to the latter category.

Headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this sprawling Malayalam action thriller takes viewers into the dangerous world of gold smuggling, criminal dynasties and revenge, delivering its biggest highs through action rather than its writing.

Released on 20 August, 2026 as part of the Onam theatrical season, ‘Khalifa’ follows Mambarakal Aamir Ali, a powerful figure who finds himself at the centre of a sprawling criminal empire with links between the Middle East and India. The film mixes family legacy, betrayal, shifting loyalties and the battle for control of an underworld network, giving Prithviraj plenty of room to occupy the screen as its central force.

With around 159 minutes runtime, the film is clearly designed as a big-screen action spectacle. It does not always have an equally compelling narrative to support that ambition, but when Vysakh turns up the volume, ‘Khalifa’ knows exactly how to entertain.

A familiar story given a lavish treatment

The basic premise of ‘Khalifa’ is hardly unfamiliar. Gold smuggling, powerful families, rival factions and revenge have all been explored repeatedly in crime dramas. The film's screenplay, written by Jinu V Abraham, therefore has the difficult task of making a well-worn setup feel distinctive.

That is where the film is somewhat inconsistent.

The opening stretch spends considerable time establishing the characters, the criminal network and the relationships that shape the conflict. There are multiple players and competing interests introduced early, and the amount of exposition can make the first act feel slower than the film's later portions. Some of the developments are also predictable, particularly for viewers accustomed to the conventions of the gangster-action genre.

Yet the familiar framework is elevated by the way it is presented. The film has an unmistakable sense of scale, moving between locations and criminal operations while building an atmosphere of wealth, danger and impending conflict.

The writing occasionally struggles to make some of its developments entirely convincing, but the filmmaking often compensates for those shortcomings.

When ‘Khalifa’ finds its rhythm

The first half is largely about setting the board. Characters are introduced, rivalries take shape, and the larger conflict gradually emerges. There is action along the way, but the film does not initially unleash the full force of what it has in store.

The interval stretch changes that momentum.

From there, ‘Khalifa’ becomes considerably more confident. The second half embraces its commercial-action identity, pushing the characters into escalating confrontations and delivering a succession of larger action sequences. The shift is noticeable, and the film becomes much more engaging once it stops explaining its world and starts letting the characters collide.

The climax is among the film's strongest portions. It brings together the revenge-driven conflict and the action spectacle that the film has been building towards, creating the kind of theatrical high that ‘Khalifa’ is clearly designed to deliver.

For viewers who go into the film primarily for action, the latter half is likely to be the biggest feast.

Prithviraj owns the screen

Prithviraj Sukumaran is one of the film's biggest strengths. As Mambarakkal Aamir Ali, he brings a controlled intensity to a character who needs to project authority even when the screenplay does not always give him enough emotional depth.

His screen presence does much of the heavy lifting. Whether he is involved in a confrontation or simply occupying a frame, Prithviraj gives the character the weight expected from the central figure of a sprawling criminal empire.

His physicality also works particularly well during the action sequences. The combat choreography gives him opportunities to convey both aggression and control, with the hand-to-hand sequences standing out for their impact.

The film clearly understands the star power at its centre and uses it effectively.

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

Mohanlal's presence delivers the expected high

Mohanlal's appearance as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, is one of the film's most anticipated elements, and his introduction comes with the kind of staging designed for a theatrical response.

His presence undoubtedly adds to the scale of ‘Khalifa’. The introductory moments and his exchanges are among the scenes most likely to generate excitement in the auditorium.

However, his cameo also highlights one of the film's limitations. While the appearance carries considerable star value, it does not substantially alter the central storyline. The role feels more like an important introduction to a larger possibility than a fully integrated part of the present narrative.

That may make more sense if the filmmakers intend to expand this world in the future, but within ‘Khalifa’ itself, the cameo feels more significant for the moment it creates than for its contribution to the plot.

A strong supporting cast

Neil Nitin Mukesh brings a suitably cold presence to the conflict, giving the film a threatening antagonist who can hold his own against Prithviraj. His performance adds another layer to the central power struggle.

Indrans, meanwhile, brings a different energy to the film. His role adds emotional and dramatic grounding to a story otherwise dominated by larger-than-life personalities and action.

The film also benefits from the presence of Sanju Sivram, Shammi Thilakan, Mohini, Renji Panicker and others. There are several notable appearances throughout, though some of the cameos feel more like additions to the film's star-heavy appeal than essential pieces of its narrative machinery.

Action is the real star

If there is one area where ‘Khalifa’ consistently delivers, it is action.

The film's major set pieces are staged with a clear understanding of commercial cinema. The home-invasion sequence is particularly effective, while the hand-to-hand combat has a physical quality that makes the punches and close-quarters fights feel more impactful.

The climax takes that energy further, bringing together the film's various strands in a large-scale confrontation.

There is a slight trade-off, however. The film occasionally seems more interested in getting to its next big moment than developing the characters between those moments.

Still, for action enthusiasts, that is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Also Read: This week's theatre releases: ‘Khalifa’, ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’, ‘7 Dogs’ and more

Technically impressive

Visually, ‘Khalifa’ is among its strongest when it comes to presentation. Jomon T John's cinematography gives the film a polished, expansive appearance, with moody lighting, sweeping frames and carefully constructed action compositions.

The scale of the criminal world is reflected in the visuals, helping the film feel bigger than its familiar storyline might suggest.

Jakes Bejoy's music and background score also contribute significantly to the atmosphere. The score understands when to amplify a star introduction, an action sequence or a moment of confrontation. While the film may not consistently deliver goosebumps through its writing, the music and presentation frequently attempt to manufacture that theatrical rush.

There is an interesting layer to ‘Khalifa’ beyond its gold-smuggling plot. The film brings Vysakh and Prithviraj Sukumaran together again, 15 years after ‘Pokkiri Raja’, Vysakh’s directorial debut starring Mammootty and Prithviraj.

Verdict

‘Khalifa’ is a stylish, star-driven action drama that gets more exciting as it progresses. Its central story of gold smuggling, revenge and criminal legacy is familiar, and the writing occasionally feels routine.

But the film makes a strong case for itself through scale, performances and technical craft. Prithviraj Sukumaran's commanding screen presence, Mohanlal's crowd-pleasing appearance, Jomon T John's cinematography, Jakes Bejoy's score and the film's major action sequences keep it engaging. The second half is where ‘Khalifa’ truly comes alive, culminating in an action-heavy finale that delivers the mass appeal the film promises.

It may not reinvent the gold-smuggling gangster drama, but Vysakh gives the familiar material enough style, swagger and spectacle to make ‘Khalifa’ a worthwhile big-screen experience, particularly for those who want their Onam release served with plenty of action.

Rating: 3/5