Alappuzha Gymkhana

Khalid Rahman is now officially the Anwar Rasheed of the mid-to-late 2000s, creating bonafide entertainers that'll strike a chord with every audience segment, one way or another. However, as opposed to Anwar Rasheed, who has moved on to production and directs only occasionally, Khalid Rahman is busy cracking bro-code with younger talents, this time around, dealing with an almost fully Gen Z cast. Yes, as many remarked, the plot is basic, and even the overall progression is somewhat minimal. Naslen, though getting the most screentime, is not a solo protagonist here. Each member of the ensemble has specific shoes to fill, both in terms of action, humour, and morale-building.

Not every moment of humour lands smoothly, but they keep getting better, with the second half turning into a truly Khalid Rahman flick. The boxing matches are incredibly shot, and stay unique, given the layering attributed to each character. There's a lot of Ryan Coogler-esque shot composition, especially during the boxing match scenes, where Jimshi Khalid's brilliant frames work in close quarters with the sparring opponents. Kramer Morgenthau's DP work in the last two Creed films also comes across as a significant inspiration; at least, some of the punches are executed like REAL PUNCHES.

I thought Vishnu Vijay went into GOD MODE with his background score, completely stripped away from what I heard in Pani, Pravinkoodu Shaappu, and of course, Thallumaala. They not only elevate all the boxing set pieces, but also manage to send a zappy fire straight into your veins with what unfurls during that final street fight that goes BONKERS! Again, this is the kind of film that benefits from the vibrant reel-ish edit style that Nishadh Yusuf (RIP) was known in the last few years for (..not Kanguva). Vishnu Govind does a fantastic job with the sound design.

Finally, the CAST. I like how all the boys (Naslen, Baby Jean, Sandeep, Ganapathi, Lukman, and the rest) had interesting arcs of their own, which reflected in their fight styles as well as the normal teenager personas (..um, all these dudes are well into their 20s, so kudos to their physical transformations!). Plus, it's not always that a side character's recovery during a boxing match results in a clapworthy "mass" moment. The girls (Noila Francy, Nanda Nishanth, and Anagha Ravi) are all solid too, but since they get comparatively less screentime, we get to know their characters only at a superficial level. I'd love to see more of each of them in Malayalam cinema going forward.

On the whole, I don't have many complaints about what the film offered as a theatrical experience. It's a festival winner by all means, because its Head Chef and team have cooked it with mostly the right ingredients in the right doses.

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.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed that a Telugu dub wasn't available, finding only Malayalam and Tamil audio options. However, undeterred, I booked my ticket at Lulu Mall in Hyderabad, relying on my limited Malayalam knowledge. To my pleasant surprise, English subtitles were available, which I was very grateful for.

As for the movie itself, it offers a smooth and engaging screenplay filled with casual, relatable comedy, much like observing the everyday lives of teenagers. The addition of boxing as a central element was a fantastic choice. While I might have been okay with seeing untrained actors portray boxers, I was impressed to see that the entire cast was clearly well-trained in the sport, evident in their stances. Even Nelson's surprising six-pack added to the authenticity.

I particularly feel that Anagha Ravi deserves a full-fledged sports drama centered around boxing, a sentiment reinforced by the recently released video song.

The cinematography is truly outstanding. Capturing boxing scenes effectively is a challenging task with a high risk of failure, but the filmmakers absolutely nailed it. Some shots were reminiscent of Hollywood-level production, and I was particularly satisfied with the boxing visuals, especially after watching "Sarpatta."

Regarding the music, I enjoyed the trailer's background score and had already listened to three great songs on music streaming apps. The background music in the theater was also good, although I feel it would be best appreciated in a home theater setup or with quality earphones at home.

The screenplay is consistently smooth, and the story stands out for not being a typical, predictable boxing drama. This is where the movie's magic lies - it strikes a perfect balance, neither too intense nor too light.

I especially appreciated the climax. Just as I thought the movie was concluding, an interesting scene unfolded with a large group of boys, which I wasn't expecting. It was a great way to end the film.

Overall, this movie offers a refreshing and well-executed take on teenage life blended with the exciting world of boxing. It's definitely worth watching.

Sometimes, the best cinematic experiences are the ones you least expect, and Alapuzzha Gymkhana is a prime example. Walking in with no expectations, I was immediately hooked; the film deftly pulls you from one scene to the next, maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout.

The boys' gang is a definite highlight, bringing genuine laughs with their excellent comic timing. Their camaraderie feels authentic and is a strong anchor for the movie's lighter moments. On the romantic front, while Jojo's attempts to flatter the girls were entertaining, I found myself unexpectedly rooting for him to end up with the one he initially refused to kiss, a testament to the subtle character development at play.

Surprisingly, given what I imagine might have been a modest budget, the boxing scenes are remarkably well executed. They carry a real punch and add an unexpected layer of grit to the narrative. The story itself gels seamlessly with the screenplay, ensuring a cohesive and enjoyable viewing experience, and each character, big or small, plays their part with conviction. Adding to the film's charm is a fantastic background score that perfectly complements the on-screen action and emotion.

This movie leaves you wanting more. I wouldn't be surprised if a second part is already in the works, and if it is, consider me eagerly waiting.

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.