While there’s no doubt that actor Prithviraj Sukumaran’s stylish avatar was one of the major draws of director Vysakh’s Khalifa, Mohanlal’s highly publicised cameo also played a key role in sending anticipation for the actioner through the roof. Marking their reunion after L2: Empuraan (2025), Mohanlal plays Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, a notorious smuggler and the grandfather of Prithviraj’s Aamir Ali, in Khalifa, appearing in only one scene towards the end.

Recently, Prithviraj shared his experience working with the superstar and directing him in three films: Lucifer (2019), L2: Empuraan, and Bro Daddy (2022). Describing Mohanlal and Mammootty as his mentors, he also shared his family’s association with them.

“Mohanlal is the actor I probably have spent the most time with in the industry,” he observed during an appearance on Jio Hotstar’s special talk show, Khalifayude Onavirunnu, hosted by Chef Pillai.

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Prithviraj on his bonds with Mohanlal, Mammootty

“Since I have directed three films with Mohanlal, I have spent months together with him. However, be it Mohanlal or Mammootty, their association with my family started with my parents (yesteryear superstar Sukumaran and veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran). Mohanlal and Mammootty have known me since the time I was a child. They have visited our home, and we have visited theirs as well. I have spent a lot of time with Mammootty and his children, actor Dulquer Salmaan and Surumi, growing up. Now we all have a professional relationship as well,” he recalled.

Prithviraj added, “I consider both of them my gurus. While I see Mohanlal as my elder brother, Mammootty is like a father figure to me. Even Mohanlal considers Mammootty like an elder brother. Honestly, Bro Daddy is the film that captured a version of the real-life chemistry between Mohanlal and me.”

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Mohanlal to play protagonist in Khalifa 2

Meanwhile, the makers also announced a sequel to the movie, titled Khalifa 2: The Legacy, with Mohanlal’s Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali as the protagonist alongside Prithviraj. During a recent event, Prithviraj shared his excitement for the upcoming instalment in the franchise.

“From the day Jinu V Abraham (Khalifa’s screenwriter) narrated the first story, it was said that Ahmed Ali and his legacy are the foundation of the film. When the screenplay was written in 2022, it was expanded further. That is why we thought Mohanlal would be best suited to play the character, and we approached him for that reason. His ‘yes’ was a huge confidence booster for us,” he said.

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Prithviraj Sukumaran added, “Khalifa Part One is just a page ripped off from the expansive world of Ahmed Ali. As a fan, I am happy that Vysakh (Khalifa’s director) and Jinu are planning such a movie (Khalifa 2) with Mohanlal as the central character. I want to see him in a mainstream, mass, commercial action film. I sincerely pray that this wish be fulfilled in Khalifa 2.”

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Mohanlal on his cameo and Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali

Opening up about Khalifa, Mohanlal said during the event, “I walked into this film towards the end. When talking about a movie or acting in it, I always pray from the heart that the film becomes a big success. It is like that with all movies. I heartily remember the hard work behind this film and the people who worked in it. I thank the director, writer, and Prithviraj, who played the main character, for giving me such a role.”

Discussing his character, who is portrayed as one of the most notorious smugglers India has ever seen, Mohanlal quipped, “Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali is a poor man. Give him an opportunity to do a lot of good things.”