Khalifa: The Ruler

'Khalifa' brings swagger to a feast for action lovers, with Prithviraj and Mohanlal anchoring a sprawling narrative of gold-smuggling, family rivalries and power struggles.

Khalifa tells the story of a carefree textile owner whose life flips upside down when a sudden crisis uncovers a startling truth about his family's gold-smuggling past, forcing him to navigate corruption and charisma in unexpected ways.

Director Vysakh's Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Neil Nitin Mukesh, is a template masala entertainer that lacks heart and conviction. The film relies heavily on Prithviraj's swag rather than a compelling story.

Vysakh's Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, delivers slick stunt sequences and grand visuals, but suffers from shallow writing.

In Khalifa, Prithviraj Sukumaran carries a derivative thriller almost entirely on his shoulders with forgettable results. Khalifa wants to build a universe, but forgets to build a compelling film first. Despite Prithviraj Sukumaran's commanding presence, stylish visuals and a few solid action stretches, the film's derivative writing and archaic direction rob that universe of any good momentum.

Khalifa is at its best when it embraces spectacle. Prithviraj's commanding presence, the polished visuals, action and Mohanlal's impactful appearance give the film enough theatrical appeal to keep it moving.