Chennai: Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has shared a fresh still from director Vysakh’s much-anticipated revenge thriller Khalifa, offering fans a glimpse into his character’s past and sparking excitement online.

Taking to Instagram, the actor posted a younger-looking image of himself and wrote, "AAMIR - The story that was…! #KHALIFA."

The film, which has been generating significant buzz since its announcement, is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Earlier this year, the makers also brought Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh on board, marking his entry into Malayalam cinema. Welcoming him on his birthday, Prithviraj had written, "Happy birthday Neil Nitin Mukesh! Welcome to the Malayalam film industry! #KHALIFA".

In the film, Prithviraj essays the role of Aamir Ali. On his previous birthday, the actor had shared a glimpse video, describing the film’s scale and narrative. He wrote, "A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA - The Ruler."

The teaser introduces a sprawling gold smuggling network operating out of the Middle East, with links extending to London, Nepal and Kerala. It features an interrogation sequence involving a customs officer named Panicker, who warns that Aamir’s days are numbered and invokes the COFEPOSA Act.

In response, the interrogated man challenges the officer, saying, "Do you know how the COFEPOSA came into being?" The scene transitions into high-octane action visuals featuring Prithviraj. The man continues, "Up north, there was Sukur Naren Bakhia and Haji Mastan.Down south, it was Mudaliar and Mambaraykkal Ahmed Ali. The four of them were a nightmare for Mrs Gandhi.That is what led her to pass the COFEPOSA Act in Parliament in 1974. And even then, using the COFEPOSA, she couldn't keep Ahmed Ali behind bars for even half an hour. Aamir is the grandson of that very same Ahmed Ali." He then adds, "Aamir is the grandson of that very same Ahmed Ali." He concludes with a warning, asking authorities to try capturing Aamir to witness “real fireworks like the one in the Uroos festival at the Mambaram mosque.”

The film promises a gripping narrative packed with chase sequences and stylised action. Prithviraj had completed shooting for the UK schedule last August before returning to India.

Marking the start of production, Vysakh had earlier posted, "The journey of #Khalifa officially begins! Our pooja ceremony for this ambitious film, starring the incredible @therealprithvi, happened today. I’m beyond thrilled to be collaborating with Prithviraj after 15 long years!" He further added, "Gearing up for an exhilarating journey, with our first schedule rolling out from London on August 6th. This project brings together a powerhouse team - Penned by Jinu Abraham, Jomon T John’s visual magic, Music by the current music sensation Jakes Bejoy, Cuts by Chaman Chacko, Styled by Mashar Hamza and Action to be directed by Yannick Ben. Seeking all your blessings and good wishes for this venture."

Though announced in 2022, Khalifa went on floors only in 2025. Initially planned across Dubai, Nepal and Kerala, the film has largely been shot in the UK.

The project also marks Prithviraj’s reunion with Vysakh after more than 15 years since their hit Pokkiri Raja, and another collaboration with writer Jinu V Abraham following Kaduva.