Prithviraj Sukumaran’s latest Malayalam film Khalifa The Ruler arrived in theatres on August 20, 2026, as one of the major Onam releases. Directed by Vysakh, the action thriller has generated considerable interest among Malayalam cinema audiences, particularly because of the collaboration between Prithviraj and the director and the presence of Mohanlal.
The film centres on Mambarakal Aamir Ali, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The story is set against a crime backdrop involving gold smuggling and a powerful criminal network extending between the Middle East and India. The film combines action, crime, family conflict and revenge elements in a commercial format.
Following the theatrical release, early reactions from viewers began appearing on X and other social media platforms. The initial response has been mixed, with several viewers appreciating the film's visual presentation and action while others have expressed reservations about its writing.
One of the most consistently praised aspects of the film is Prithviraj Sukumaran's screen presence. Viewers have highlighted his appearance, attitude and performance in action sequences. His introduction and several mass-oriented moments have received positive reactions from sections of the audience.
The action sequences have also emerged as one of the film's strengths. Early reviews describe the movie as a commercial action entertainer with several high-energy sequences designed for a theatrical experience. Vysakh's direction has been noted for maintaining a mass-oriented presentation throughout the film.
Music and background scoring have received attention as well. Jakes Bejoy's background score has been praised by several early viewers, with some reactions suggesting that the music enhances the film's action-oriented moments.
However, the response to the screenplay has been considerably more divided. Some viewers have described the narrative as predictable and said that the writing does not consistently match the scale of the production.
Criticism has also been directed at character development and the treatment of the conflicts within the story. Some early reactions suggest that the film follows familiar commercial action movie conventions instead of offering a particularly fresh narrative approach.
The film's pacing and second half have also become points of discussion among viewers. While some audience members have found the action and climax effective, others have felt that the predictable progression of the story reduces its overall impact.
Mohanlal's presence has added another layer of anticipation to the movie. The veteran actor appears in the film in a limited role connected to the larger storyline. His appearance was heavily discussed before release, contributing to audience curiosity. Prithviraj had earlier indicated that Mohanlal's appearance primarily introduces his character, with the possibility of his story being explored further in a future instalment.
The film has received a UA 16 plus certification and has a reported runtime of approximately two hours and 39 minutes. Its cast includes Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal, Malvika Sharma, Indrans, Neil Nitin Mukesh and other prominent actors.
The release timing is also significant. Khalifa is part of the Onam movie season, a period traditionally considered important for the Malayalam film industry. The film entered theatres with considerable expectations because of its lead actor, director, action-oriented genre and promotional campaign.
Social media reactions should nevertheless be treated as early audience impressions rather than definitive reviews. The opinions expressed on X vary considerably, with some viewers describing the film as an enjoyable mass entertainer while others have criticised its familiar storyline.
Overall, the early response to Khalifa The Ruler suggests that the film's biggest strengths are Prithviraj Sukumaran's screen presence, action presentation and background music. At the same time, its predictable narrative and screenplay have emerged as the principal areas of criticism.
The film's theatrical performance and audience response over the coming days will provide a clearer picture of whether the action entertainer succeeds with wider audiences during the Onam season.
For now, Khalifa The Ruler has generated a divided response. Fans of Prithviraj's mass-action performances appear to have found several moments to appreciate, while viewers looking for a more original storyline have raised concerns about the film's predictable treatment of familiar commercial elements