Khalifa director Vysakh braves Dubai desert heat in BTS video from set
Synopsis
Director Vysakh's Dubai desert BTS video is more than a social media moment — it signals that Khalifa's globe-trotting production is in full swing. With Prithviraj playing a gold-smuggling dynasty scion, a Bollywood crossover in Neil Nitin Mukesh, and an Onam target, this is shaping up as one of Malayalam cinema's most ambitious revenge thrillers in years.
Key Takeaways
Director Vysakh shared a BTS video on 16 June showing him braving the Dubai desert heat during the Khalifa shoot.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aamir Ali , grandson of a legendary gold smuggler, in the revenge thriller.
The film features Neil Nitin Mukesh in his Malayalam film debut , announced in January 2025 .
Khalifa reunites Vysakh and Prithviraj after 15+ years , following their superhit Pokkiri Raja .
Originally announced in 2022 , the film went on floors in 2025 and is targeting an Onam release .
Director Vysakh is pulling no punches for his upcoming Malayalam revenge thriller Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. On Tuesday, 16 June, Vysakh shared a behind-the-scenes video on his Instagram page showing him walking through the scorching Dubai desert, hat on, with hot gusts of wind battering his face — all in the line of duty for the film's ongoing shoot.
Captioning the video, Vysakh wrote: 'Passion burns hotter than the heat. Khalifa @dubai.' The post offered fans a glimpse of the physical demands the production team is enduring to bring the ambitious project to life.
Dubai Schedule and Production Status
The Khalifa unit is currently in Dubai filming key sequences. The film was first announced in 2022 and was originally expected to be shot across Dubai, Nepal, and Kerala. However, the production eventually went on floors only in 2025, with schedules shifting to the United Kingdom and Dubai. Prithviraj Sukumaran had wrapped his UK schedule and returned to India in August 2024.
What Khalifa Is About
In the film, Prithviraj plays a character named Aamir Ali — the grandson of a legendary gold smuggler, Ahmed Ali, who reportedly outsmarted even the COFEPOSA Act enacted by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1974. A glimpse video released on Prithviraj's birthday revealed the film's backdrop: a multi-million dollar gold smuggling racket operating out of the Middle East, with networks spanning London, Nepal, and Kerala.
Prithviraj had written alongside the glimpse: '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 separately shared a younger-looking image of himself in character, writing: 'AAMIR - The story that was…! #KHALIFA.'
The Powerhouse Team Behind It
Khalifa reunites Vysakh and Prithviraj after more than 15 years, their last collaboration being the superhit Pokkiri Raja. The script has been penned by Jinu Abraham, who also wrote Kaduva. Cinematography is handled by Jomon T John, with music composed by Jakes Bejoy, editing by Chaman Chacko, styling by Mashar Hamza, and action choreography by Yannick Ben.
Notably, Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was welcomed into the Malayalam film industry as part of the Khalifa cast in January 2025, adding to the film's cross-industry appeal.
Expectations and What's Next
Khalifa has built considerable anticipation among fans, with each update — from cast announcements to location shoots — drawing significant attention. The film is targeting an Onam release, though an official date is yet to be confirmed. With its globe-spanning narrative, high-octane action, and a reunion of proven collaborators, the film is shaping up as one of the most-watched Malayalam releases of the year.
Point of View
Keeping the film in the conversation between official announcements. What stands out is how deliberately the makers have drip-fed intrigue: a birthday glimpse, a younger-looking Prithviraj photo, now a director-in-the-desert moment. For a film that was announced in 2022 and took until 2025 to go on floors, the marketing cadence is doing real work to sustain anticipation. The Onam window, if confirmed, puts Khalifa in a high-stakes slot — Malayalam cinema's most competitive release period.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Khalifa movie about?
Khalifa is a Malayalam revenge thriller directed by Vysakh, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aamir Ali, the grandson of a legendary gold smuggler. The story revolves around a multi-million dollar gold smuggling racket operating across the Middle East, London, Nepal, and Kerala, with the protagonist seeking vengeance across generations.
When is Khalifa releasing?
Khalifa is targeting an Onam release, as stated by Prithviraj Sukumaran in an earlier post. An official release date has not yet been confirmed by the makers.
Who is in the cast of Khalifa?
Prithviraj Sukumaran leads the cast as Aamir Ali. Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was also announced as part of the cast in January 2025, marking his Malayalam film debut.
Why is Khalifa significant for director Vysakh and Prithviraj?
Khalifa marks the reunion of director Vysakh and Prithviraj Sukumaran after more than 15 years, their previous collaboration being the superhit Pokkiri Raja. The film is also scripted by Jinu Abraham, who wrote Prithviraj's earlier hit Kaduva.
Where has Khalifa been filmed?
Khalifa has been shot across the United Kingdom and Dubai. Prithviraj completed his UK schedule in August 2024, and the unit is currently filming key sequences in Dubai. The film was originally also planned to shoot in Nepal and Kerala.
