Caliphate Part 1: The Intro, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, is scheduled to release in theaters during Onam 2026. As it was recently confirmed that Mohanlal will be playing a cameo role in the film, it appears that the actor has already completed shooting for his portion.
Has Mohanlal completed the shooting of Khalifa Part 1?
According to a report in Cine Loco, Mohanlal shot for his cameo role in Khalifa Part 1 on January 13, 2026. The one-day shoot reportedly took place in Kochi and is said to serve as an introduction to his character, Mambarkal Ahmed Ali. However, this is an unconfirmed report, which is yet to be officially confirmed.
In an earlier post, Mohanlal had shared the announcement along with a new poster of the film. While her face was hidden, the image showed a shot of her bloodied hand holding a cigar next to a gold ashtray and a retro revolver.
Along with the first installment, Khalifa Part 1: The Intro, the film stars Mohanlal as the grandfather of Prithviraj’s character. The cameo appearance is supposed to be a brief glimpse, which serves as an introduction to Caliphate Part 2: His Reign.
Earlier this year, on Prithviraj’s birthday, the makers of Khalifa teased the role, setting up the godfather of a powerful dynasty in the story.
Directed by Vysakh, both films are based on a screenplay written by Jinu V. Abraham, who also co-produces. The first installment features music and background score composed by Jacques Bejoy, with Jomon T. John as cinematographer and Chaman Chacko as editor.
Mohanlal’s work front
Mohanlal will next be seen in the lead role in Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph. The film is the third installment of the franchise and aims to delve deeper into the emotional dynamics of a family. Although the official release date is yet to be announced, the director recently confirmed that Drishyam 3 is set to release on the big screens on April 2, 2026.
Next, the actor is set to begin shooting for a police action-comedy, tentatively titled L365, directed by Tharun Murthy.
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