Alappuzha Gymkhana

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.

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.

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.

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.