Khalifa Part 1 Review on X: Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Malayalam Action Thriller Receives Mixed Response

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa Part 1 has hit the theatres on Aug. 20, 2026. Helmed by Vysakh, the action thriller was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Now that the film has been released, fans and cinephiles have once again sparked a buzz online. Early reviews and reactions have begun pouring in, with many appreciating the actor’s performance while others calling the film’s plot predictable with no emotional connection. 

Early reactions from the audience on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that “Khalifa” has plenty to offer on the big-screen action front. However, the plot and screenplay failed to live up to the expectations of the cinephiles. Take a look at what they have to say. 

Khalifa Part 1 Twitter Reviews

A mass masala works when the stakes are high in the writing and presentation. Despite the technical excellence, #Khalifa didn’t make me root for anything. Not saying it’s bad. But it’s not as good as it looks in the promotional materials. pic.twitter.com/guvnXfhKdx — Sreenath Sudhakar (@moviesandsree) August 20, 2026

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s “Khalifa” opens to mixed X reactions, with the audience praising its style, action sequences and music while criticising its narrative and lack of emotions. One X user shared, “Prithviraj Sukumaran completely fits the world of #Khalifa. His body language and restrained performance give Aamir Ali a strong presence without overdoing it. The film also has some well-staged action sequences and impressive technical work.” Another one added, “Prithviraj’s look & screen presence, Jakes Bejoy’s BGM and action blocks are good.” A fan spoke about the cameos and climax by writing, “Okyish first half, but the second half steps up big time with great pacing! The climax is an absolute blast, backed by a superb BGM and some really good cameos. Totally a one time watchable commercial flick with awesome fan moments.”

#Khalifa Review Inspired from Infamous Gold Smuggling related to a political party Prithviraj is good, Jakes has done his part Story not exciting, not action oriented Plasticky Villian is weak Good making by Vysakh Lal cameo and looks – his best Average, Underwhelming !! pic.twitter.com/iSPDwRfUQN — Varun R 🇮🇳 (@VarunNR_79) August 20, 2026

On the other hand, a viewer shared, “Watched #Khalifa An emotionless drama which most of time becomes overdramatic to the core with okayish making, lazy writing, poor dialogues & amateurish performances. Prithvi did well, bt no character arc. Jakes mid. Intro, interval & climax gud. Yet another tail end scam. 1.75/5.” Another review read, “A cliched story without emotional connect to any characters.. took its initial 40 mins to get into the story.. interval block stretch was good but other than that nothing much interesting. Fight sequences were okayish .. background score loud & old. didn’t work me.. lengthy and uninteresting 2nd half. Prithvi needs to choose strong scripts. cameos gimmick were kinda entertaining!! Overall a disappointing movie !!”

“Khalifa” revolves around Mambarakal Aamir Ali, essayed by Prithviraj, a powerful figure connected to an international gold-smuggling network operating between the Middle East and India. The saga combines crime, revenge, family legacy, and a battle for control of a criminal empire. Besides the lead actor, the film also features Neil Nitin Mukesh, Indrans, and Sanju Sivaram in pivotal roles.