Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Khalifa Review: Balancing Prithviraj's Style and Mohanlal's Impact
Khalifa is a Malayalam action film about a family involved in gold smuggling.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aamir Ali, a powerful-looking man connected to this family history.
He brings confidence, style and energy to the role.
The movie has large action scenes, polished visuals and dramatic music.
Mohanlal appears in a smaller role, but his scene is especially memorable.
However, many parts of the story are easy to predict.
The film is entertaining to watch, but its story is not as surprising as its exciting presentation suggests.
Mohanlal's appearance may also connect the film to a larger future story.
Prithviraj Sukumaran gives gold-smuggler Aamir Ali strong style and screen presence.
Mohanlal's limited appearance delivers one of the film's most powerful moments.
The visuals, action choreography and Jakes Bejoy's score provide polished theatrical spectacle.
The family-centered gold-smuggling story follows a familiar and predictable crime-drama path.
The film may be setting up a larger story through Mohanlal's character introduction.
- Who
- Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as Mambarakal Aamir Ali, while Mohanlal makes a limited appearance.
- What
- Khalifa is a gold-smuggling crime thriller centered on family legacy, crime and power.
- When
- The article does not specify when the events take place.
- Where
- The article does not specify where the story takes place.
- Why
- Aamir Ali becomes involved in his family's long-running gold-smuggling legacy.
- Lead actor
- Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Mambarakal Aamir Ali.
- Genre
- Gold-smuggling crime thriller with action and family drama elements.
- Director
- Vysakh directs the film.
- Music
- Jakes Bejoy provides the background score.
- Key supporting appearance
- Mohanlal has a limited role that primarily introduces his character.
- Main criticism
- The narrative is considered familiar and predictable.
- Main strengths
- The film is praised for its style, visuals, action, performances and theatrical scale.