‘Khalifa’ Box Office: Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Action-Thriller Overtakes ‘Vaazha 2’ To Become the Fifth-Biggest Malayalam Opener Of 2026

After a decent start with the morning shows, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s “Khalifa” maintained its momentum at the box office, collecting ₹5.35 crore on its opening day. The film received a decent number of shows and screens in Kerala after the release of Dulquer Salmaan’s “I’m Game” was postponed. However, with Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju’s “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit” releasing today, audiences could be divided, which may impact “Khalifa”’s collections.

Nevertheless, the first-day numbers of “Khalifa” are likely to come as a relief to Prithviraj Sukumaran, especially after his last release, “I’ Nobody,” turned out to be a box-office disaster.

“Khalifa” is currently the fifth-biggest Malayalam opener of 2026, behind “Drishyam 3” (₹15.35 crore), “Patriot” (₹10 crore), “Aadu 3” (₹6.03 crore) and “Athiradi” (₹6.02 crore). The film surpassed “Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros” (₹4.75 crore) to claim the fifth spot.

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If the film holds steady over the weekend, it could benefit further from the Onam festivities on August 25 and 26.

Directed by Vysakh, known for films such as “Pokkiri Raja,” “Seniors,” “Mallu Singh,” “Pulimurugan” and “Madhura Raja,” “Khalifa” also stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, Malvika Sharma, Shammi Thilakan, Indrans, Renji Panicker, Mohini, Shivajith, Suresh Oberoi and Sanju Sivaram in supporting roles. Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas and Soubin Shahir make cameo appearances.

Produced by Jinu V. Abraham and Suraj Kumar, the film features cinematography by Jomon T. John, editing by Chaman Chacko, music by Jakes Bejoy, action choreography by Yannick Ben and dance choreography by Chethan D’Souza and Sandy.

Interestingly, the makers recently announced a sequel titled “Khalifa: The Legacy.” In the second installment, Mohanlal’s character, Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali — the grandfather of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aamir Ali — will take center stage, while the rest of the key cast will reprise their roles.