Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know Mohanlal Joins Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘Khalifa’ Cast S upertstar Mohanlal has joined the cast of Prithviraj Sukumaran star- rer ‘Khalifa’, which will be released in two instalments in theatres. Director Vysakh will be direct- ing this crime drama. Mohanlal is set to play the role of Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali in the film. Khalifa will arrive in theatres in two instalments, with the first part aiming for a release at Onam 2026. Part I is titled ‘Khalifa: The Intro’, while the next part is titled ‘Khalifa: His Reign’. The movie is produced by Jinu v Abhra- ham and Suraj Kumar under the banner of Jiinu Abraham Innovation. On their Instagram handle, Jiinu Abraham Innovation shared a poster of Khalifa introducing Mohanlal’s character in the film. They wrote, “Mohanlal is Mambarak- kal Ahmed Ali! Meet the legend in Part 1. Know his bloody history in Part 2. Khalifa Part 1 – In cinemas Onam 2026. Vengeance will be written in GOLD…But before GOLD. There was BLOOD!” The makers have shared a glimpse video of the film. In the video titled “Glimpse”, Sukumaran was seen driving a luxury car and fighting goons. He was introduced as an elite criminal who had never been caught by the police or the past governments of India. The actor’s character name is ‘Aamir Ali’ in the film. In the end, Sukumaran was seen smoking a cigarette after hitting a man in a bus. The music of the film is composed by Jake Bejoy and edited by Chaman Chakko. -ANI PHOTO:ANI I t has been 14 years since actor Anil Kapoor made it big in Hollywood with the release of ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, starring Tom Cruise as the iconic Ethan Hunt. Taking to Instagram, Anil Kapoor penned a long post, recalling fond memories of his experience working in the film. “Some films stay with you forever, not just because they’re part of a legendary franchise or a global success, but because of the bonds you build along the way. 14 years of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, a journey filled with laughter, trust, unforgettable memories, and friendships that still mean the world,” he wrote. Expressing pride in being a part of the team, Anil Kapoor offered a nod to the BTS moments and love from fans. “Here’s to stories that become family and adventures that never fade,” he concluded. In his post, the actor also shared pictures with the film’s cast, including Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton. Director Brad Bird also joined the frame. In another picture, Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor also posed for a picture with Tom Cruise. A fourth instalment in Tom Cruise’s celebrated ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, ‘Ghost Protocol’ was released in 2011. The film follows Ethan Hunt and his IMF team (Benji, Jane and Brandt) on a race to obtain a Russian launch control device to clear their names from a Kremlin explosion. With some of the most stunning stunts in the franchise, the film also features Ethan’s iconic scaling of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Besides Cruise, the film also features Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Jeremy Renner, and Paula Patton in key roles. With a total of eight films in the franchise, the latest instalment in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ se- ries came with ‘The Final Reckoning’, which was released on May 23, 2025. -ANI Anil Kapoor Celebrates 14 Years Of ‘Mission: Impossible 4’, Remembers “Stories That Become Family” With Tom Cruise & Others PHOTO:VIA ANI 18 ENTERTAINMENT December 12, 2025 A fter delivering acclaimed films such as ‘Talvar’, ‘Raazi’ and ‘Sam Bahadur’, director Meghna Gulzar is now gearing up for her next project, ‘Daayra’, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Giving an exciting update about her upcoming project, Meghna informed her fans that she has started the final shooting schedule for her latest film. Taking to her Instagram handle, the ace director post- ed a photo of a car with packed bags, showing that the team is ready for the final leg of the shoot. She captioned it, “Final Schedule. Here we go Team #daayra” In September, the lead stars of the film shared glimpses from the first day of shoot, adding several BTS moments.”Day 1. 68th film Daayra with the most amaz- ing @meghnagulzar and @therealprithvi…Send love and blessings,” Kareena wrote in the caption. From holding a puja ceremony on the first day of production to discussing scenes with director Meghna Gulzar, trying look tests, shooting scenes, and reading scripts, the actor offered an intimate insight into their preparations. In a special highlight, veteran lyricist Gulzar also ar- rived on the sets and engaged in a conversation with the team.Likewise, Prithviraj expressed a feeling of thrill in his post as he added, “#Daayra is officially rolling. A new story, a new journey that challenges and excites in equal parts. Thrilled to be stepping into this world.” Director Meghna Gulzar dedicated a special post to mark the beginning of a journey of “blurred and crossed lines.”‘Daayra’ was announced earlier this year when Ka- reena Kapoor confirmed her part in the film.”I’ve always said that I’m a director’s actor… and this time I cannot wait to work with one of the finest director’s we have, @ meghnagulzar & alongside the magnificent @thereal- prithvi, whose work I deeply admire. To my dream team, #Daayra let’s do this,” she wrote on Instagram. Prithviraj, too, expressed his excitement about working with Meghna Gulzar and Kareena.”Some stories stay with you from the moment you hear them. DAAYRA is that for me. Excited to work with Meghna Gulzar, the incred- ible Kareena Kapoor Khan and Team Junglee Pictures! Wish you all a very happy Vishu! #Daayra,” he posted on Instagram.As explained by the National Award-winning filmmaker, ‘Daayra’ tells a story that will compel viewers to reflect on society and its institutions. -ANI “Here We Go”: Meghna Gulzar Begins Final Schedule Of Kareena Kapoor, Prithviraj Sukumaran Starrer ‘Daayra’ PHOTO:VIA ANI