Prithviraj Sukumaran's much-anticipated action thriller Khalifa has reached a big milestone, with the makers officially announcing the completion of its shoot. Directed by Vysakh, the revenge drama is being talked about as it marks Prithviraj Sukumaran and director Vysakh reuniting 15 years after their successful collaboration on Pokkiri Raja (2010). The upcoming film marks the duo's first venture together since the blockbuster entertainer.. Sharing the update on social media, Prithviraj confirmed that filming has wrapped and also revealed the film's release date. Titled Khalifa Part 1, the film is now set to hit theatres worldwide on August 20, 2026, coinciding with the Onam festive season. The actor is also awaiting the release of I Nobody
which also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu.
Prithviraj Sukumaran Unveils Onam 2026 Release Plan for Khalifa
The makers of Khalifa have officially wrapped up production on the highly anticipated revenge thriller. Sharing the news on social media,
Prithviraj Sukumaran wrote,
"It's a WRAP on #KHALIFA! Aamir Ali will follow Rajeevan. The smuggler will meet you after the nobody! KHALIFA Part 1. In theatres worldwide from 20th August 2026!" The announcement confirmed that the film will be released in theatres worldwide during the 2026 Onam season. Prithviraj plays the lead character Aamir Ali.
The film's team was recently in Dubai filming crucial sequences. Director Vysakh shared a behind-the-scenes video from the desert, showing him enduring the intense heat while working on the project. Along with the visual, he wrote,
"Passion burns hotter than the heat. Khalifa @dubai." Earlier this year, Prithviraj also shared a younger-looking image of himself from the film with the caption,
"AAMIR – The story that was...! #KHALIFA," including some level to the intrigue surrounding his character.The project also made headlines when Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was officially welcomed to the cast, marking his entry into Malayalam cinema.
What Is Khalifa About?
The first glimpse of Khalifa hinted at a gripping story centred on gold smuggling networks operating across the Middle East, London, Nepal and Kerala. The teaser introduced Aamir Ali, the grandson of the legendary Ahmed Ali, a feared smuggler whose influence once challenged authorities despite strict anti-smuggling laws.
Packed with action, chase sequences and themes of revenge spanning generations, Khalifa promises to be a high-octane thriller. The script for Khalifa has been penned by Jinu Abraham, who is also backing the project as a producer. The film's music is composed by Jakes Bejoy, while acclaimed cinematographer Jomon T. John handles the visuals. Editing is being overseen by Chaman Chacko, with Mashar Hamsa serving as the costume designer.Notably, Khalifa marks Prithviraj Sukumaran's third collaboration with writer Jinu Abraham after the successful films Adam Joan and Kaduva.