Khalifa (2026)
Khalifa is a Malayalam action thriller directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V. Abraham, who also produces it with Suraj Kumar under Jiinu Abraham Innovation. Aamir Ali (Prithviraj Sukumaran) is an ambitious businessman with plans in the fashion trade who is drawn into crime when his family is put in danger, and he goes on to rise through a gold-smuggling underworld. Harris Basheer (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is his foil and Seittuji (Suresh Oberoi) his mentor, while Mohanlal makes a special appearance as Aamir's grandfather, Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali. Malavika Sharma, Indrans, Shammi Thilakan, Renji Panicker and Tovino Thomas are also in the cast. Told in an old-school crime-action style, the film has scenes set in Dubai and Fujairah and was shot across Kerala, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. It is the first half of a two-part story; trailer coverage names this part Khalifa: The Intro, with Khalifa: His Reign to follow. Jakes Bejoy composes the music. Khalifa released in theatres in August 2026 and streams on Prime Video from October 2026 in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
- Release date
- 20 Aug 2026
- Directed by
- Vysakh
- Starring
- Prithviraj Sukumaran, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mohanlal, Suresh Oberoi
- Music
- Jakes Bejoy
- Produced by
- Jinu Abraham and Suraj Kumar
- Language
- Malayalam
- Genre
- Action, Thriller
- Runtime
- 2h 39m
- Certificate
- U/A
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Lionsgate Play, Manorama Max, aha, Simply South, STARZPLAY
- Also known as
- Khalifa: The Ruler · Khalifa: The Intro
Khalifa Cast
Prithviraj Sukumaranas Aamir Ali
Neil Nitin Mukeshas Harris Basheer
Mohanlalas Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali- Suresh Oberoias Seittuji
- Malavika Sharma
- Sanju Sivaram
- Renji Panicker
- Manmadhan
Crew
- Director
- Vysakh
- Writer
- Jinu Abraham
- Producer
- Jinu Abraham, Suraj Kumar
- Music
- Jakes Bejoy
- Cinematography
- Jomon T. John
- Editing
- Chaman Chacko
Release dates & where to watch
- Theatrical release
- 20 Aug 2026
- Streaming on Prime Video
- 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming on Lionsgate Play
- 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming on Manorama Max
- 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming on aha
- 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming on Simply South
- 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming on STARZPLAY
- 9 Oct 2026
Latest Khalifa News
NEWSJailer 2 ratings disabled on BookMyShow: Kerala's long fight over reviews
Sun Pictures is reported to have taken legal action over reviews. Kerala courts and police dealt with this in 2023.
CELEBRITIESPrithviraj Sukumaran at 44: Kumbha in Varanasi, Daayra with Kareena, and Odiyan as producer with Manju Warrier
From his 2002 debut in Nandanam to directing Lucifer and L2: Empuraan, a look at where the actor-filmmaker stands today.
NEWSKhalifa director Vysakh reshares fan's note on Prithviraj starrer's box office run after OTT release
The fan's note, which Vysakh shared on his Instagram story, links the film's box office performance to online negativity.
MOVIESNight Shows: Soubin Shahir and Ranjan Pramod team up for the first time in a film led by a cast of newcomers
The first look is out, but the plot, wider cast and release date are still under wraps.
NEWSPulimurugan at 10: Vysakh looks back on filming real tigers with Mohanlal and says sequel needs right script
The director says producer Tomichan Mulakuppadam calls him every month about Pulimurugan 2, but the team is still waiting for a strong script.
OTTKhalifa is now streaming on seven platforms: where to watch Prithviraj Sukumaran and Vysakh's action drama
The Onam release is out in five languages, with different platforms carrying different versions.
Khalifa Trailers & Videos
All videos
Sequels, remakes and trivia
Shot in: Kerala, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Chennai
Khalifa: frequently asked questions
When was Khalifa released?
Khalifa was released in theatres on 20 August 2026.
Who directed Khalifa?
Khalifa is directed by Vysakh.
Who is in the cast of Khalifa?
Khalifa stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mohanlal, Suresh Oberoi, Malavika Sharma and Indrans, among others.
Who composed the music for Khalifa?
The music of Khalifa is composed by Jakes Bejoy.
Where can I watch Khalifa online?
Khalifa is streaming on Prime Video, Lionsgate Play, Manorama Max, aha, Simply South and STARZPLAY from 9 October 2026.
Where was Khalifa shot?
Khalifa was filmed in Kerala, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu and Chennai.
What is the runtime of Khalifa?
Khalifa runs for 2 hours 39 minutes.