Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh makes his Malayalam film debut with Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer revenge thriller ‘Khalifa’, directed by Vysakh.
Source: Instagram
The makers of director Vysakh’s eagerly awaited revenge thriller Khalifa on Thursday welcomed Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh to the Malayalam film industry.
Also Read: Meet Kumbha: SS Rajamouli reveals Prithviraj Sukumaran’s fearsome transformation in ‘Globe Trotter’
Advertisement
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the lead in the film, extended birthday wishes to Neil and officially announced his inclusion in the project.
Advertisement
Taking to his Instagram page, Prithviraj wrote, “Happy birthday Neil Nitin Mukesh! Welcome to the Malayalam film industry! #KHALIFA”.
View this post on Instagram
The post marked Neil’s formal entry into Mollywood, making Khalifa his first Malayalam film.
Prithviraj plays a character named Aamir Ali in the gripping thriller based on gold smuggling. During his last birthday, the actor had shared a glimpse video from Khalifa, saying, “A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA – The Ruler.”
Also Read: On his birthday, Prithviraj gives fans a sneak peek of upcoming action drama ‘Khalifa’
View this post on Instagram
The glimpse opens with a news bulletin announcing the exposure of a multi-million-dollar gold smuggling racket operating out of the Middle East, with networks in London, Nepal and Kerala.
An elderly man is shown being interrogated by a customs official named Panicker, who claims that Aamir Ali can be arrested wherever he enters India, citing the COFEPOSA Act.
The interrogated man explains the origins of the COFEPOSA Act, referencing legendary smugglers from both North and South India, and reveals that Aamir Ali is the grandson of Ahmed Ali, a man whom even the Act failed to contain.
View this post on Instagram
The sequence culminates in high-octane action visuals featuring Prithviraj, hinting at edge-of-the-seat chases and stunt sequences.
Also Read: Neil Nitin Mukesh credits life struggles for his growth as an actor
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who made a strong debut in Johnny Gaddaar (2007), later featured in films such as New York, 7 Khoon Maaf and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
However, despite early promise, his career witnessed a slowdown over the years, with fewer prominent roles in mainstream Bollywood. His entry into Malayalam cinema with Khalifa marks a significant shift and a fresh opportunity in his acting journey.
Also Read: ‘Ek Chatur Naar’ first look: Divya Khossla and Neil Nitin Mukesh promise wit and thrills
It may be recalled that Prithviraj had completed his UK shooting schedule for Khalifa and returned to India in August last year.
The film, first announced in 2022, went on floors only in 2025 and has been extensively shot in the UK, despite earlier plans to film in Dubai, Nepal and Kerala.
View this post on Instagram
At the time of the film’s launch, director Vysakh wrote, “The journey of #Khalifa officially begins! Our pooja ceremony for this ambitious film, starring the incredible @therealprithvi, happened today.”
He added that the project marks his reunion with Prithviraj after 15 years, following their superhit collaboration Pokkiri Raja.
View this post on Instagram
Written by Jinu V Abraham, with cinematography by Jomon T John, music by Jakes Bejoy and action choreography by Yannick Ben, Khalifa has generated strong buzz among fans and film buffs.
View this post on Instagram
The film is Prithviraj’s second collaboration with Vysakh after Pokkiri Raja and his next with writer Jinu V Abraham after Kaduva.
Also Read: ‘Vilaayath Buddha’ teaser: Prithviraj turns fearless smuggler ‘Double Mohan’
Advertisement
