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 is an action thriller Malayalam film directed by Vysakh, featuring the acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. The movie was produced in collaboration with Indian filmmakers, with parts of the film set in the UAE, specifically in Fujairah, Dubai, and an unidentified airport that resembles Sharjah's terminal.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aamir Ali, a fashion entrepreneur who becomes entangled in a life of crime after his family faces a threat. Neil Nitin Mukesh also stars as Harris Basheer, an actor whose presence remains captivating throughout the narrative. Suresh Oberoi, who last appeared in the controversial film Animal, plays the mentor figure Seittuji, who delivers a strong performance with a cool demeanor.
The film's narrative focuses on the criminal history of Aamir's family, which unfolds gradually as the story progresses. The film's 160-minute runtime allows for a carefully paced presentation of its archetypal Indian crime story, adding depth and excitement to the viewer's experience.
Khalifa: The Ruler boasts a strong cast, with Prithviraj Sukumaran's physicality and emotional depth being particularly noteworthy. The film's cinematography by Jomon T John uses dramatic contrasts in light and color, while the narrative is augmented by the tightly edited final cut by Chaman Chacko. Jakes Bejoy's soundtrack, featuring a blend of hip-hop, Indian semi-classical, and dramatic dark overtones, complements the emotionally diverse moments in the film.
In comparison to stylish Bollywood action thrillers from the 2000s, Khalifa: The Ruler rekindles the essence of the genre, offering a fun and entertaining film experience on the big screen. The film's flashy style, combined with its emotional depth, makes it a must-watch for fans of action thrillers.
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