One of Prithviraj Sukumaran's upcoming films in 2026 is Khalifa, directed by Vysakh. It is designed as a multi-part film, with the first part being set for an Onam release. Mohanlal plays a cameo role as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, the grandfather of Prithviraj's character Aamir Ali, in the first part. However, the superstar is expected to reprise the role as a main lead in a sequel or prequel to Khalifa.
Prithviraj recently talked about how he and the makers of the film approached the project, with the grandfather character in mind. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor said that mass-masala cinema is among the most difficult genres to execute. "To me, it is the toughest kind of film to make because you are making it to elicit a reaction," Prithviraj said. The actor reiterated his admiration for filmmakers such as Manmohan Desai and IV Sasi, known for their mastery of the mass-masala genre. "It requires incredible skill, which is why I hold these filmmakers in high regard," Prithviraj added.
Then, he talked about the journey of Khalifa from being a one-part film to a two-parter. The actor said that when Jinu Abraham, the film's writer, narrated the story to him, they did not know who would direct it. "In the first narration itself we knew that there is a story behind the grandfather's character," Prithviraj said. "Back then, we thought, 'Okay, if this film does well, we would talk about a sequel/prequel with the grandfather as the protagonist,'" the actor added.
Khalifa wrapped its first production schedule last October in London, which is when Prithviraj and his team felt convinced about another film revolving around Mohanlal's character. "What we achieved there gave all of us such confidence that we decided, 'Okay, now this Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, the grandfather, no longer needs to be just up in the air. We are going to put it out there in concrete fashion.'"
Prithviraj revealed that everyone wanted to have Mohanlal onboard for the Khalifa second part. "I called him and said, 'Okay, you have played my dad. How about playing my granddad?' Him being a sweetheart said, 'Of course, pinnentha mone!' (of course, why not!)"
