# Release and reception of Malayalam film Khalifa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-malayalam-film-khalifa
> Updated: 2026-08-20T04:42:42.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

The production team for the Malayalam revenge thriller ‘Khalifa’, directed by Vysakh and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has released further character details ahead of its release. New cast additions include Shine Varghese as Sudhip, Shammi Thilakan as Raghavan, and Master Nafash as Rushin. The plot centers on Aamir Ali and a multi-million dollar gold smuggling racket spanning the Middle East, London, Nepal, and Kerala.

Following the release of the film’s trailer, it was confirmed that ‘Khalifa’ is planned as a two-part theatrical release. The first installment, ‘Khalifa: The Intro’, was scheduled for the 2026 Onam festival, to be followed by ‘Khalifa: His Reign’. The film is produced by Jinu V. Abhraham and Suraj Kumar under the Jiinu Abraham Innovation banner.

‘Khalifa’ was released in theaters on August 20, 2026. Early audience reactions on social media have been mixed; while the film is noted for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s star power, some viewers have criticized the pacing and screenplay, noting that the first half may feel too long. The production features Neil Nitin Mukesh in his Malayalam film debut, along with Indrans and Sanju Sivaram. A cameo by Mohanlal as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali has been highlighted as a major feature of the film.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa released amid mixed early reviews

Prithviraj Sukumaran's new Malayalam action thriller Khalifa released on August 20, receiving mixed early reviews regarding its pacing and screenplay despite strong performances.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prithviraj-sukumarans-khalifa-released-amid-mixed-early-reviews

### 2026-08-16: Prithviraj Sukumaran trailer for ‘Khalifa’ released

The trailer for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s action film ‘Khalifa’ has debuted, depicting a journey through the gold smuggling world. The movie will be released in two parts starting in 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prithviraj-sukumaran-trailer-for-khalifa-released

### 2026-08-14: Khalifa film clears censorship ahead of August 20 release

The Malayalam action thriller Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Vysakh, has cleared censorship and is set for release on August 20, 2026.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/khalifa-film-starring-prithviraj-sukumaran-clears-censorship

### 2026-08-10: Khalifa film makers reveal new character details

Makers of the Prithviraj-led revenge thriller ‘Khalifa’ have revealed character details for Shine Varghese and Shammi Thilakan ahead of its August 2026 release.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/khalifa-film-makers-reveal-new-character-details

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Cite as: Release and reception of Malayalam film Khalifa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-malayalam-film-khalifa