Khalifa: Anand Manmadhan plays Rahim in Prithviraj's revenge thriller
Synopsis
Eight days before its release, the makers of Khalifa unveiled Anand Manmadhan's character Rahim — the eighth in a systematic cast reveal campaign. With a multigenerational gold-smuggling plot, a Dubai shoot, and Prithviraj anchoring it as Aamir Ali, the film is positioning itself as the biggest Malayalam action release of the 2026 Onam-adjacent window.
Key Takeaways
Anand Manmadhan plays a character named Rahim in the upcoming Malayalam film Khalifa .
The character poster was shared by Prithviraj on social media on 15 August 2026 .
Khalifa is directed by Vysakh and releases in cinemas on 20 August 2026 .
The film's cast includes Mohini as Noorjahan, Kyraa Vasudevan as Vyshanavi, Shammi Thilakan as Raghavan, and Shine Varghese as Sudhip.
Principal photography wrapped in June 2026 , with key sequences shot in Dubai .
Prithviraj plays Aamir Ali , a character whose lineage is tied to a legendary gold-smuggling dynasty.
The makers of the highly anticipated Malayalam revenge thriller Khalifa, directed by Vysakh and led by actor Prithviraj, on Saturday, 15 August 2026, revealed actor Anand Manmadhan's character poster, confirming he plays a character named Rahim in the film. The announcement came as part of a series of character reveals ahead of the film's theatrical release.
Prithviraj Shares the Character Poster
Taking to social media, Prithviraj shared Anand Manmadhan's first look poster with the caption: 'Anand Manmadhan as Rahim. @anandmanmadhan Character Poster #8. #KHALIFA In cinemas from 20th August 2026!' The post marks the eighth character reveal in what has been a steady pre-release campaign building audience anticipation.
Full Cast of Characters Revealed So Far
The production has been systematically unveiling its ensemble. Actress Mohini portrays a character called Noorjahan, while Kyraa Vasudevan plays Vyshanavi. Master Nafash is set to appear as Rushin, Shammi Thilakan plays Raghavan, and Shine Varghese features as Sudhip. Prithviraj himself plays the central character Aamir Ali, whose story forms the spine of the narrative.
What Khalifa Is About
Earlier glimpse footage released by the team positioned Khalifa as a multigenerational revenge saga rooted in gold smuggling. A news bulletin in the glimpse video referenced a multi-million dollar gold smuggling racket operating out of the Middle East, with networks spanning London, Nepal, and Kerala. The narrative connects Aamir Ali to a lineage of legendary smugglers — the glimpse specifically cited historical figures such as Haji Mastan, Sukur Naren Bakhia, Mudaliar, and Mambaraykkal Ahmed Ali, the last of whom is presented as Aamir's grandfather. The COFEPOSA Act of 1974, passed during Indira Gandhi's tenure, is woven into the backstory as a legal reference point for the character's lineage and the stakes involved.
Production and Release Details
The Khalifa unit completed principal photography in June 2026, having earlier travelled to Dubai to film key sequences. Prithviraj had offered the first public glimpse of the film on his birthday last year, writing: 'A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA - The Ruler.' He had also shared a younger-looking image of himself in character on Instagram, captioned 'AAMIR - The story that was…! #KHALIFA', generating significant buzz. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 20 August 2026.
With its release days away, Khalifa is shaping up as one of the most-watched Malayalam action entertainers of the year.
Point of View
Or whether the elaborate backstory becomes window dressing for a conventional action vehicle.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Anand Manmadhan play in Khalifa?
Anand Manmadhan plays a character named Rahim in Khalifa. The character poster was revealed by Prithviraj on social media on 15 August 2026, ahead of the film's release on 20 August 2026.
When does Khalifa release in cinemas?
Khalifa is scheduled to release in cinemas on 20 August 2026. The film's principal photography was completed in June 2026, with portions shot in Dubai.
Who is the director of Khalifa and what is it about?
Khalifa is directed by Vysakh. The film is a revenge thriller in which Prithviraj plays Aamir Ali, a character descended from a legendary gold-smuggling dynasty, whose story is set against a multi-million dollar smuggling racket spanning the Middle East, London, Nepal, and Kerala.
What is the full cast of Khalifa?
The confirmed cast includes Prithviraj as Aamir Ali, Anand Manmadhan as Rahim, Mohini as Noorjahan, Kyraa Vasudevan as Vyshanavi, Master Nafash as Rushin, Shammi Thilakan as Raghavan, and Shine Varghese as Sudhip.
What is the significance of the COFEPOSA Act in Khalifa?
In the film's storyline, the COFEPOSA Act of 1974 — passed during Indira Gandhi's tenure — is referenced as a law enacted in response to legendary smugglers including Haji Mastan and Mambaraykkal Ahmed Ali, who is presented as Aamir Ali's grandfather. The act forms a key part of the character's backstory and the film's dramatic tension.
