Bollywood Star Neil Nitin Mukesh Joins Malayalam Cinema with 'Khalifa'

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has officially joined the Malayalam film industry with the upcoming thriller 'Khalifa', directed by Vysakh. The film, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, revolves around a gripping narrative of gold smuggling. As excitement builds among fans, the film promises intense action and a compelling storyline. Mukesh's birthday celebration coincided with this announcement, marking a significant milestone in his career. The project has been in the works since its initial announcement in 2022 and is set to deliver edge-of-seat entertainment. Dive into the details of this thrilling cinematic venture!

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 16:34 IST

Neil Nitin Mukesh's Entry into Malayalam Film Industry

Chennai, Jan 15: The production team behind the much-anticipated revenge thriller 'Khalifa' has officially welcomed Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh into the Malayalam film scene.

On the occasion of Mukesh's birthday, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who stars in the film, extended a warm welcome to him via his Instagram account, stating, "Happy birthday Neil Nitin Mukesh! Welcome to the Malayalam film industry! #KHALIFA"

In 'Khalifa', Prithviraj portrays Aamir Ali, a character embroiled in a narrative centered around gold smuggling. Last year, on his own birthday, he had shared a teaser video of the film.

He remarked, "A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam, Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA - The Ruler."

The teaser opens with a news report revealing that police and customs officials have uncovered a massive gold smuggling operation linked to the Middle East, with connections in London, Nepal, and Kerala.

In a tense interrogation scene, a customs officer named Panicker confronts an elderly man, asserting that Aamir is finished and can be arrested anywhere in India. Panicker attempts to intimidate him by referencing the COFEPOSA act.

The elderly man retorts, "Do you know how the COFEPOSA came into being?" The teaser then showcases thrilling action sequences featuring Prithviraj. The man elaborates on the origins of the COFEPOSA act, mentioning notorious figures from the past and how it was enacted in 1974, emphasizing Aamir's lineage.

He challenges the officer to capture Aamir, hinting at explosive consequences akin to the Uroos festival at the Mambaram mosque.

The video reveals that Prithviraj's character, Aamir Ali, will be central to a gripping storyline filled with intense chases and stunts.

Prithviraj had completed filming his segments in the UK last August, and the project has generated significant excitement among fans since its announcement.

Director Vysakh expressed his enthusiasm for the film on Instagram, stating, "The journey of #Khalifa officially begins! Our pooja ceremony for this ambitious film, starring the incredible @therealprithvi, happened today. I’m beyond thrilled to be collaborating with Prithviraj after 15 long years!"

He added, "Gearing up for an exhilarating journey, with our first schedule rolling out from London on August 6th. This project brings together a powerhouse team - Penned by Jinu Abraham, Jomon T John's visual magic, Music by the current music sensation Jakes Bejoy, Cuts by Chaman Chacko, Styled by Mashar Hamza and Action to be directed by Yannick Ben. Seeking all your blessings and good wishes for this venture."

Initially announced in 2022, the film began production in 2025, with shooting locations including the UK instead of the originally planned Dubai, Nepal, and Kerala.

This marks Prithviraj's second collaboration with Vysakh in over 15 years, following their successful film 'Pokkiri Raja', and will also be his next project with writer Jinu V Abraham, known for scripting 'Kaduva'.