Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, is scheduled to release in theaters for Onam 2026. The makers have now officially announced that the prequel to the film will be Khalifa Part 2: His Reign, starring Mohanlal in the lead role.
Official: Mohanlal will be seen as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali in Prithviraj’s Khalifa
In a new post on social media, Mohanlal shared the announcement along with a new poster of the film. His face was hidden, while a shot of his bloodied hand was shown holding a cigar next to a gold ashtray and a retro revolver.
Now with the first installment titled Caliphate: The Intro, the actor wrote, “Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali! Meet the legend in Part 1. Know his bloody history in Part 2. Caliphate Part 1 – In theaters Onam 2026. Vengeance will be written in gold… but before the gold… there was blood!”
According to reports, Mohanlal’s character will be introduced through a cameo appearance in the Prithviraj starrer, with the prequel later continuing his story. Interestingly, the character Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali will be the grandfather of Prithviraj’s upcoming character Mambarakkal Aamir Ali.
Earlier, on Prithviraj’s birthday this year, the makers of Khalifa had teased the role, setting up the godfather of a powerful dynasty in the story.
Directed by Vysakh, both films are based on a screenplay written by Jinu V. Abraham, who also co-produces. The first installment features music and background score by Jacques Bejoy, with Jomon T. John as cinematographer and Chaman Chacko as editor.
Watch the glimpse here:
Prithviraj Sukumaran was last seen in the lead role in the action drama Vilayathe Buddha directed by Jayan Nambiar. Based on the novel of the same name, the film received mixed reviews from audiences and critics.
Looking ahead, the actor is reportedly in the final stages of shooting for his next film, I’m Nobody. Co-starring Parvathy Thiruvothu, the heist political actioner is expected to release during summer next year.
Apart from Khalifa, the actor also has Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu and directed by SS Rajamouli in his lineup.
Mohanlal’s work front
Mohanlal is set to be seen in the lead role in Vrishabha, a historical fantasy film releasing in theaters on December 25, 2025. He has also recently completed the shooting of the much-awaited Drishyam 3.
