Khalifa Onam 2026: Prithviraj film's dubbing underway in Kochi as Dubai shoot blazes on
Synopsis
With dubbing running in Kochi and action sequences blazing in Dubai, Khalifa is racing toward its 20 August Onam release. Prithviraj Sukumaran's revenge thriller — built around a gold-smuggling dynasty and the COFEPOSA Act — is shaping up as one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of 2026, reuniting him with director Vysakh after 15 years.
Key Takeaways
Khalifa dubbing is underway in Kochi while the Dubai action schedule continues simultaneously.
The film is set for a grand Onam release on 20 August 2026 .
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aamir Ali , grandson of a legendary smuggler, in this revenge thriller directed by Vysakh .
Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh joined the Malayalam film industry through this project in January 2026 .
This is Prithviraj and Vysakh's first collaboration in over 15 years , since their superhit Pokkiri Raja .
The film was announced in 2022 and went on floors in 2025 , with shoots completed in the UK and Dubai .
Malayalam action thriller Khalifa, directed by Vysakh and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, is simultaneously progressing on two fronts — intense action sequences are being filmed in Dubai while dubbing for the film is running in parallel in Kochi, the makers confirmed on 18 June. The film is set for a grand Onam release on 20 August 2026.
Dubbing and Shoot Running in Parallel
The production team used the film's official Instagram handle to share behind-the-scenes pictures of the dubbing session in Kochi. Their post read: 'Dubbing is in full swing at Kochi. Meanwhile, the adrenaline-fueled action schedule is blazing in Dubai. The countdown has begun… #Khalifa storms into theatres on August 20 for a Grand Onam Release!'
Director Vysakh also shared a personal glimpse of the Dubai schedule, posting a video of himself walking through the desert in scorching heat. He wrote, 'Passion burns hotter than the heat. Khalifa @dubai,' signalling the demanding conditions the unit is working through to meet the Onam deadline.
The Story and Characters
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aamir Ali in the film — the grandson of a legendary smuggler named Ahmed Ali, who reportedly could not be held behind bars even under the COFEPOSA Act passed by Mrs Gandhi in 1974. The glimpse video released on Prithviraj's birthday last year established the film's premise: a gold smuggling racket operating out of the Middle East, with networks spanning London, Nepal, and Kerala.
Prithviraj had accompanied the glimpse with the line: 'A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA - The Ruler.' He also shared a younger-looking character still on Instagram with the caption: 'AAMIR - The story that was…! #KHALIFA.'
Powerhouse Team Behind the Film
Khalifa brings together a high-profile crew: screenplay by Jinu Abraham, cinematography by Jomon T John, music by Jakes Bejoy, editing by Chaman Chacko, costumes by Mashar Hamza, and action choreography by Yannick Ben. Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was welcomed to the Malayalam industry and the Khalifa unit in January 2026.
This is Prithviraj's first collaboration with Vysakh in over 15 years, their previous outing being the superhit Pokkiri Raja. Writer Jinu Abraham previously scripted Kaduva, another Prithviraj blockbuster.
Long Road to Production
Khalifa was first announced in 2022 but went on floors only in 2025. The initial plan had envisaged shooting in Dubai, Nepal, and Kerala; the film has since been shot in the UK and Dubai. Prithviraj completed his UK schedule and returned to India in August 2024.
With dubbing, action sequences, and post-production running concurrently, the team appears firmly on track for the 20 August 2026 Onam release — one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the year.
Point of View
Globe-trotting action is at a peak — but the film carries unusual weight because it is a 15-year reunion between Prithviraj and Vysakh, two names whose last collaboration was a blockbuster. The COFEPOSA-and-gold-smuggling premise is a smart callback to a real chapter of Indian criminal history, giving the revenge arc a textured legitimacy that generic action films lack. The real question is whether the long gestation — announced in 2022, floors in 2025 — has sharpened or diluted the vision. With Neil Nitin Mukesh crossing over and a high-profile crew in place, the industry will be watching whether Khalifa becomes a benchmark for Malayalam action or a cautionary tale about expectation inflation.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Khalifa releasing in theatres?
Khalifa is set for a grand Onam release on 20 August 2026. The makers confirmed the date via the film's official Instagram handle alongside updates on the ongoing Dubai shoot and Kochi dubbing sessions.
Who is Prithviraj Sukumaran's character in Khalifa?
Prithviraj plays Aamir Ali, the grandson of a legendary smuggler named Ahmed Ali who reportedly could not be detained even under the COFEPOSA Act of 1974. The film frames Aamir's story as a multigenerational revenge thriller rooted in a gold smuggling racket spanning the Middle East, London, Nepal, and Kerala.
What is the COFEPOSA Act referenced in Khalifa?
The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 1974 during Indira Gandhi's tenure. In the film's narrative, it was enacted partly in response to notorious smugglers of that era, and Aamir Ali's grandfather was reportedly one of those figures.
Who are the key crew members of Khalifa?
Khalifa is directed by Vysakh, written by Jinu Abraham, shot by Jomon T John, scored by Jakes Bejoy, edited by Chaman Chacko, styled by Mashar Hamza, and features action choreography by Yannick Ben. Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh also stars in the film.
Is this the first film Prithviraj and Vysakh have made together?
No, Khalifa is their second collaboration. Their first film together was the superhit Pokkiri Raja, released over 15 years ago. Director Vysakh described the reunion as something he was 'beyond thrilled' about when the project was officially launched.
