Khalifa opens with Rs 4.90 crore but draws mixed reviews

Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest film 'Khalifa' earned an estimated India net of Rs 4.90 crore on its opening day, according to Sacnilk. The movie, directed by Vysakh, recorded 46 percent overall occupancy across 1,967 shows, with its India gross collection reaching Rs 5.68 crore. Kerala contributed Rs 4.85 crore to the gross, the biggest market for the film.

However, m9.news reports that the film has received below average responses from audiences and critics, calling it a 'terrible disappointment' with an outdated story and weak screenplay. The outlet says viewers find the plot predictable and the antagonist played by Neil Nitin Mukesh weak, and even Mohanlal's cameo fails to create an impact. m9.news notes this is Prithviraj's third consecutive disappointment after 'Vilayath Buddha' and 'I Nobody'.

In contrast, the Times of India review gave the film three stars out of five, calling it 'an engaging watch' and 'a stylish, star-driven spectacle', though noting women characters are marginalised. The outlet's box office report describes the opening as 'a positive note' and 'a decent start'. With competing film 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit' releasing the next day, Khalifa's word-of-mouth will decide its box office trajectory.