Khalifa first half review: Vysakh’s spectacle and Prithviraj’s swagger keep this familiar tale engaging

It’s not often that Malayalam cinema gets a full-blown mass film, especially at a time when filmmakers are increasingly gravitating towards comedies, rooted family dramas, and, more recently, dark comedies. From the outset, and much like its promos suggested, 'Khalifa' makes no attempt to hide its intentions, it is unapologetically a commercial action entertainer, complete with the scale, swagger, and larger-than-life moments the genre demands. But while a mass film can deliver on spectacle, is that enough to make Khalifa a satisfying commercial entertainer, or does it fall short in the areas that matter just as much?

Screenwriter Jinu Abraham and director Vysakh bring to life the story of Aali, aka Akbar Ali (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a man living in the UK with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on his trail. The world the film creates is familiar, and the making carries Vysakh’s unmistakable stamp. He has always been a filmmaker drawn to visual flair, larger-than-life heroes and high-flying action, as seen in films such as Pokkiri Raja and Pulimurugan. That sensibility is evident here as well.

Khalifa gives its protagonist a strong mass introduction, and Prithviraj plays Aali with the kind of effortless swagger that allows the character to pull off elaborate action sequences without appearing overly self-conscious.

There is plenty of style on display here, from elaborate car chases and buggy sequences to the family-oriented moments that add some colour and emotional texture to the narrative. Vysakh clearly understands how to stage spectacle, and the film benefits from that visual confidence. At the same time, Khalifa remains somewhat superficial in its treatment of revenge and redemption. The characters are often defined through style, bravado and larger-than-life moments rather than through enough emotional or psychological depth to make their journeys genuinely resonate.

Jinu Abraham’s script is built around an interesting premise, even if its underlying ideas don’t feel particularly fresh, especially considering the number of films and series Bollywood has explored within the same space. Khalifa doesn’t necessarily bring anything new to the table, and at times, it even feels somewhat evasive in the way it approaches its ideas. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the film manages to remain engaging enough to hold your attention.