Khalifa: The Ruler review – Prithviraj Sukumaran brings old-school action thrills
The UAE has long had a starring role in Indian cinema. With about 4.3 million Indians calling the Emirates home, perhaps it is no surprise that filmmakers have repeatedly turned to the country as both a setting and a backdrop. From relatable, grounded stories like Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980) and Jacobinte Swargarajyam (2016), to larger-scale productions such as Feroz Khan’s Yalgaar (1992) and…
Khalifa: The Ruler, a Malayalam action thriller directed by Vysakh and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, brings back old-school action thrills to Indian cinema. With significant portions of the film shot in UAE cities such as Fujairah and Dubai, the story follows the journey of ambitious fashion entrepreneur Aamir Ali (Sukumaran), who becomes entangled in a criminal world after his family is threatened.
The film features an impressive cast, with Neil Nitin Mukesh playing an engaging foil to Sukumaran's character, and Suresh Oberoi delivering a standout performance as Seittuji, Aamir's mentor.
The narrative is primarily centered around the family's criminal history, which unfolds gradually, making for a compelling and engaging plot. The movie's visual style is striking, with cinematographer Jomon T. John using dramatic contrasts in light and color to create an unforgettable visual experience. The film editor, Chaman Chacko, has crafted a tightly wound final cut, utilizing a non-linear storytelling approach to maintain the audience's interest.
While the editing can at times feel overly intricate, Bejoy's soundtrack delivers the necessary punch to complement the film's emotionally rich moments.
Khalifa: The Ruler acts as a welcome return for the Bollywood action thriller genre, harkening back to the larger-than-life films of the 2000s that have since fallen out of favor. With strong performances from its lead, impressive visuals, and a well-executed plot, the film is a must-watch for fans of the action genre, providing a thrilling and stylish experience in the big screen.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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