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Mohanlal Joins Prithviraj's 'Khalifa' as Underworld Kingpin
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Mohanlal stars as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, grandfather to Prithviraj's character.
- Khalifa is a two-part series detailing the Mambarakkal family's bloody history.
- The film's release is slated for Onam 2026, promising intense action.
Mohanlal has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Malayalam action thriller, Khalifa, portraying the significant role of Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali. This character serves as the grandfather to Prithviraj Sukumaran's character, marking a highly anticipated collaboration. The film's narrative will unfold across two parts, with the initial installment titled 'The Intro' delving into the introduction and violent history of the influential Mambarakkal family empire.
The sequel will further explore the reign of Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, expanding on the family's dominance within the criminal underworld. Promotional materials, including a newly released poster, feature evocative imagery like a bloodstained cigar and gold biscuits, hinting at the film's intense themes. The tagline, "Before gold there was blood," emphasizes the story's focus on the violent origins preceding the family's involvement in gold smuggling.
A recent teaser reveals a complex plot involving international gold smuggling networks spanning Nepal, the Middle East, and London. It also highlights police and customs investigations and warnings about threats to Prithviraj's character, Aamir Ali, due to the COFEPOSA Act. The teaser's action sequences draw comparisons to Prithviraj's earlier film Ranam, suggesting a stylistically intense experience.
