Alappuzha Gymkhana

A fantastic cinematic experience that masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humour with genuine adrenaline-pumping moments. While the narrative arc might not be the central focus, the sheer realism of the unfolding events is incredibly compelling, feeling less like a typical genre film and more like witnessing something that could actually happen in such a setting. I particularly loved how the absence of tired movie clichés contributed to this authentic feel. The cinematography, especially during the close-quarters action, was truly outstanding, making you feel the impact of every hit and placing you right beside the characters in the thick of it. This immersive visual storytelling is a major highlight. Ultimately, this is a thoroughly feel-good movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen at least once for its sheer visceral and entertaining qualities.

Alappuzha Gymkhana is simply worth watching. The cinematography in the boxing scenes and fights is superb. The music is good. The entire cast delivered a good performance. The movie starts off at a steady pace in the first hour and then becomes entertaining and engaging. The pre-climax and climax are peak moments. It's a comedy-sports movie, and the director has done a great job, reminiscent of Thallumala.

If you enjoyed Thallumala, you might appreciate this film's similar vibe.

Plot :: Jojo Johnson, David "DJ" John, Shifas "Valthu" Ahammed, Shifas "Cherthu" Ali, and Shanavas are five friends from Alappuzha who have just completed their 12th-grade board exams. While Shanavas passes, the rest of the group fails, leaving their prospects of college admission uncertain.

Alappuzha Gymkhana arrives like a surprise uppercut, smooth in its build-up and explosive in delivery. Director Khalid Rahman crafts a film that blends athletic grit with youthful charm, and the result is a surprisingly entertaining and stylish sports drama that packs in both punches and personality.

Let's start with the casting, absolutely on point. Every character feels like they belong to the world of Gymkhana. There's an authenticity in their performances, and it's crystal clear that the team put in serious off-screen effort, especially in the physically demanding sequences. And boy, does it pay off.

Lukman's entry is nothing short of electric. The pacing of the film suddenly shifts gears the moment he steps in, and from there, the boxing segments become the heartbeat of the movie. His scenes are pure class, intense, calculated, and incredibly engaging. Paired with the BGM that roars through every punch, dodge, and takedown, the boxing sequences achieve a cinematic high. It's no exaggeration to say that the background music is the soul of this movie, not just elevating scenes, but becoming a character in itself. Complete credits go to Vishnu for such an engaging score.

Ganapathi's character truly feels like the hero of the film. With his commanding presence and quiet strength, he anchors the story in a way that draws you in. Speaking of which, while the movie may lack typical "heroic highs" in the early half, Khalid masterfully saves that big punch for the climax, delivering exactly what the audience is waiting for. Though, fair warning, not all jokes land perfectly. A few flat moments break the rhythm, but they're fleeting and forgivable.

Another pleasant surprise is Anagha. She doesn't just appear - she steals the show. Her screen presence and flair light up the film. I just loved watching her moves on ring.

Interestingly, even though Naslen is a fan favorite, he isn't the main focus of the story. Instead, Khalid smartly uses him as the narrator, which brings a fresh touch to the film and allows more attention to be given to the whole group and the world of Gymkhana.

All in all, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a feel-good, festive treat with enough style, sound, and soul to make it one of the finest watches this vishu season. Whether you're here for the action, the style, or just a good cinematic experience, this one's definitely worth a watch.

Rating - 3.5/5

A well written and executed sports humour drama showing the struggles of teenage boys for building their life.

The plot of the story moves through the lives of few teenage boys who takes boxing as a medium to their college admissions and how boxing changes their outlook towards life forms the storyline.

Khalid Rahman has incorporated all the essential flavours to this movie for giving an entertaining experience to the viewers. The rapport among the boys and the families attitude with them were well portrayed by adding subtle humour elements in the screenplay. Khalid Rahman has kept the assurance alive among the audience expecting a good theatre experience. The boxing sequences and the mood set through the song Hatja was on point.

Naslen has given a natural performance in the movie as a boy next door. Ganapathi,Lukman,Franco,Sandeep,Baby Jean,Anagha Ravi & Shiva Hariharan also made convincing performances of their characters.

Jimshi Khalid has exceptionally shot the boxing sequences with Vishnu Vijay's music and BGM's elevating the vibe. Special mention to the editor Nishadh Yusuf(late) for giving a wholesome entertainer.

A good watchable fun entertainer and a go-to movie with family on this weekend.

Alapuzha Gymkhana: released in 2025 and directed by Khalid Rahman. Fun movie! Naslen is a real natural, his comic reactions are instantaneous. Lukman Avaran has done a great job as the boxing coach. Story is of a group of friends who fails 12th, and decides to learn boxing so they can get in the sports quota. The movie is light and fun, the physical transformation of all actors, Ganapathi, Naslen, Lukman is amazing. Everyone acted brilliantly and naturally. Naslen ultimately understands he's more of a team motivator than a boxer. Ganapathi though he's a brilliant boxer, realizes he needs to work on not letting outside threats get to him. Baby Jean was absolutely cool and fun to watch. And cheruthu.