20 August,2026 05:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prithviraj Sukumaran`s Khalifa (Pic/X)
Prithviraj Sukumaran's much-awaited Malayalam action thriller Khalifa is finally in theatres. It is an action-packed tale set in the dangerous world of gold smuggling. Directed by Vysakh, the film sees Prithviraj play Aamir Ali, a man who fights his way to the top of a ruthless underworld. The film has opened to largely negative reactions on X.
While Sukumaran's screen presence is praised, the writing, cameos, and second half have left audiences disappointed.
One user wrote, "Strictly a Below Average Padam!! Only positive for me is Rajuvettan's stylish look. The predictable story and impactless fight sequences are the biggest villains of the movie. On top of that, Jakes Bejoy's background score feels underwhelming."
Another commented, "An emotionless drama which most of the time becomes overdramatic to the core with okayish making, lazy writing, poor dialogues & amateurish performances. Prithvi did well, bt no character arc. Jakes mid. Intro, interval & climax gud. Yet another tail end scam."
A third user wrote, "Prithviraj's look & screen presence. Jakes Bejoy's BGM and action blocks are good. Lalettan cameo. But predictable story, weak conflict, villian. Emotions also didn't work. Technically solid but outdated story, poor narration."
Calling it a disappointing movie, one wrote, "A cliched story without emotional connect to any characters.. took its initial 40 mins to get into the story.. interval block stretch was good but other than that nothing much interesting. Fight sequences were okayish.. background score loud & old. Prithvi needs to choose strong scripts. Cameos gimmick were kinda entertaining!! Overall a disappointing movie!!"
The actor is on a roll with several prominent projects in his kitty. He is currently in the news for his role as an antagonist in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, which also stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. He will play tech-genius villain Kumbha, who locks horns with Rudhra (Mahesh Babu).
Apart from this, he is a part of Meghna Gulzar's Daayra, which also stars Kareena Kapoor. Daayra is a gripping investigative crime thriller that explores how a diabolical act can trigger equal and opposite reactions, fracturing opinions across society. Apart from this, he will be a part of Odiyan, which marks Karan Johar's venture into Malayalam cinema.
