Khalifa: The Ruler

Khalifa is a 2026 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V. Abraham, who also co-produced the film along with Suraj Kumar. Intended as the first instalment of a two-part series, it stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in title role alongside Neil Nitin Mukesh, Suresh Oberoi, Malvika Sharma, Sanju Sivram, Shammi Thilakan, Renji Panicker, Shivajith Padmanabhan, Kyraa Vasudevan and Indrans in supporting roles, alongside Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas and Soubin Shahir in cameo appearances. Principal photography began in July 2025 and concluded by June 2026. Filming took place across Kerala, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,Tamil Nadu and Nepal. The film's cinematography, editing, music, action and choreography are done by Jomon T. John, Chaman Chacko, Jakes Bejoy, Yannick Ben, Chethan D'Souza and Sandy respectively. Khalifa was theatrically released on 20 August 2026, coinciding with Onam weekend. It received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences, with some criticising its conventional gangster narrative reminiscent of films from the 1980s and 1990s, while Prithviraj's performance, Mohanlal's cameo appearance, soundtrack and action choreography received praise.