Alappuzha Gymkhana

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.

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.

Boxing action choreography worked great. Excellent sound work to complement the action.

Naslen gave an outstanding performance.

Interesting scripting style. Director's movie - not an audience movie.

There is no specific story line as such. It is an experience. I was engaged pretty much all through the movie.

Boxing action brings in a lot of intensity but at the same time keeps a very safe distance from the ear clenching Marco. It is a pretty good balance. You can enjoy the violence without guilt.

Vishnu Vijay brings in some fresh music. The makers were just having fun. Cinematography, music, sound. There is no insight that the movie claims to lead the audience towards nor is there anything. However, in small scenes, there are interesting nuances that are conveyed.

It is a very bold movie - beating conventions. I am not sure if I enjoyed it as much as Thallumala. Soon after finishing Thallumala, I knew I would rewatch it. This one - I may.

Excellent performances from all the actors. Stylish. Vibe. Fun. Music.

It is experimental, and genuine.

Basically after watching the teaser of the film I felt that this movie could deliver me a visual treat of the death threatening sport Boxing,But after watching this movie the visuals for just some scenes were outstanding. The climax portion could be written in a different perspective which could have the made the viewing experience more fun. From the usual Naslen Film I didn't get that comedy punch which made me a little disappointing. Next towards the cast ,The debut actor Baby Jean had done a wonderful job as if he had done many throughout his career. Naslen,Ganapathy,Lukman had done a mesmerising role in the film especially in shaping their physique for their roles. Lastly one more point about the director Khalid,His previous film Thallumala was exactly a visual treat for the audience .Expected that but was disappointed. Overall the film was a above average but not the best compared to Naslen's other movies.

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.