Bobby Deol in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa? Jinu Abraham puts rumours to rest

While the makers of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s upcoming movie Khalifa had recently denied that Mammootty is part of the action-thriller helmed by Vysakh, recent rumours had that Bollywood actor Bobby Deol has been cast as its antagonist. The Animal and Ba***ds of Bollywood actor has been in huge demand in the South as well, starring in chief roles in Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu earlier this year and Thalapathy Vijay’s next movie Jananayagan.

So, naturally fans of the Vysakh-Prithviraj film had more than enough reasons to celebrate the casting rumour. But when OTTplay got in touch with Khalifa scriptwriter Jinu Abraham, who is also producing the film, he laughed off the reports.

Bobby Deol in Khalifa? Jinu Abraham denies reports

“These are just news that people are putting out. We have no idea about any of this. Bobby Deol is not part of Khalifa,” says Jinu. But ask him about the major cast members of the film, apart from Prithviraj, and the writer, who had previously collaborated with the star in movies such as Kaduva and Adam Joan, says, “We will be confirming most of the names and announce it soon.”

Vidyut Jammwal and Sathyaraj are the other names that have been rumoured to be part of the film, which had completed a schedule in the UK earlier this year. Prithviraj essays the role of Aamir Ali in Khalifa, which revolves around gold smuggling as hinted by the teaser the team had released in October. Khalifa is expected to resume its next schedule in January in Kochi, before the team leaves for Dubai.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s next big release in Vilayath Buddha

Meanwhile, Prithviraj’s next release will be Vilayath Buddha, which is scheduled to hit theatres on November 21. The movie, which also stars Shammi Thilakan and Priyamvada Krishnan, is based on GR Indugopan eponymous novel and has the L2: Empuraan star essaying the role of a sandalwood smuggler named Double Mohanan.

Also read: ‘Only Sachy has left, I’m still here,’ Prithviraj told me: Vilayath Buddha director Jayan Nambiar on star’s unwavering support | Exclusive 

Prithviraj also has a host of exciting films lined up, including SS Rajamouli’s Globetrotter, in which he plays the role of Kumbha, Rorschach director Nissam Basheer’s I, Nobody and Vipin Das’ Santosh Trophy. In Hindi, the actor is part of Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra, which also has Kareena Kapoor-Khan.

FAQs

Q. When is Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa releasing?

A. Khalifa is scheduled to hit theatres in mid August of 2026 as an Onam release.

Q. Is Khalifa based on a true story?

A. The makers are yet to reveal the plot of the film. Based on the teaser of the Vysakh directorial, it's based on gold smuggling.

Q. What are Prithviraj Sukumaran's upcoming movies?

A. Prithviraj Sukumaran's upcoming films include Vilayath Buddha, Daayra, Globetrotter, I, Nobody and Santosh Trophy.