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Khalifa: Prithviraj Sukumaran on asking Mohanlal to play his grandfather in actioner: ‘You played my dad, now…’
Khalifa is an upcoming actioner starring Prithviraj Sukumaran with Mohanlal playing a cameo role, setting up a prequel.
Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, is slated to release in theaters on August 20, 2026, coinciding with Onam this year. Directed by Vysakh, the action entertainer is expected to feature Mohanlal in a cameo appearance. Prithviraj has now revealed how he approached the superstar for the role.
Khalifa: Prithviraj Sukumaran on calling Mohanlal to play his grandfather
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India, Prithviraj Sukumaran said, “To me, Khalifa is the toughest kind of film to make because you are making it to elicit a reaction. It requires incredible skill, which is why I hold these filmmakers in high regard.”
He continued, “During the very first narration, we knew there was a story behind the grandfather's character. Back then, we thought, ‘If this film does well, we could explore a sequel or prequel with the grandfather as the protagonist.’ After the first schedule in London, what we achieved there gave all of us so much confidence that we decided, ‘Now Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, the grandfather, no longer needs to remain in the background. We are going to bring him into the story in a concrete way.’”
The actor went on to explain how he approached Mohanlal for the role. He said, “I called him and said, ‘You have played my father before. Now, how about playing my grandfather?’ Being the sweetheart that he is, he said, ‘Of course, son.’”
More about Khalifa
Khalifa: Part 1 follows Aamir Ali, a prominent figure who oversees an extensive gold-trading network spanning the Middle East, London, Nepal, and Kerala. The story explores themes of legacy, family heritage, and ambition as Aamir inherits a long-established enterprise from his grandfather, Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali.
The film follows his journey as he attempts to uphold his family's legacy while managing a vast business empire shaped by generations of ambition and rivalry.
Directed by Vysakh, the film also features Neil Nitin Mukesh in a pivotal role. Mohanlal is expected to appear in a cameo, with Khalifa: Part 2 reportedly planned as a prequel set in the 1970s, focusing on his character.
The film is based on a screenplay by Jinu V. Abraham, who also serves as a co-producer. Jakes Bejoy has composed the music and background score, Jomon T. John is handling the cinematography, and Chaman Chakko serves as the editor.
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