The team behind the upcoming two-part film Khalifa marked Neil Nitin Mukesh's birthday with a surprise that instantly lit up social media. On Thursday, the makers officially announced that the actor is stepping into Malayalam cinema with the project, which stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. Sharing a character poster of Neil from the film, Prithviraj wished him on his birthday and welcomed him to the Malayalam industry, setting the tone for what is clearly being positioned as a high-profile crossover.