Language: Malayalam
Age Rating: U/A
Genre: Sports Drama / Coming-of-Age
Khalid Rahman returns with Alappuzha Gymkhana, a refreshingly unconventional sports drama that sidesteps clichés in favor of grounded storytelling and quirky charm. With a focus on flawed, relatable characters and the slow burn of self-discovery, the film crafts an experience that’s as emotionally warm as it is unpolished. Released on April 11, 2025, this is not your typical underdog triumph—it’s more about embracing failure, friendship, and simply showing up.
Plot Overview
Set in Alappuzha, the story follows a group of high school boys who take up boxing—not out of passion but necessity. After failing their exams, they aim to get college seats through sports quotas. What begins as a reluctant attempt to salvage their future slowly transforms into a journey of camaraderie, personal growth, and accidental transformation. While the boys aren’t your typical sports film heroes, their bumbling sincerity is where the heart of the story lies.
What Works
✅ Relatable Characters
The cast, led by Naslen and Ganapathi, brings authenticity and youthful awkwardness. These aren’t polished athletes but confused teens stumbling through life, which adds a refreshing sense of realism.
✅ Heartwarming Friendships
The bond between the boys is the emotional core of the film. Their casual banter, silly fights, and mutual support keep the narrative afloat, especially when plot beats get heavy.
✅ Naturalistic Humor
Comedy in Alappuzha Gymkhana doesn’t feel forced. It arises from the characters’ interactions and their unfiltered responses to bizarre situations, giving the film a grounded, slice-of-life feel.
✅ Technical Strengths
Vishnu Vijay’s music enhances the mood with a subtle touch. The cinematography captures the local flavor of Alappuzha beautifully, and the boxing scenes are well-edited and sharply choreographed.
What Falls Short
❌ Uneven Emotional Payoff
Some character arcs, especially Deepak’s, feel underdeveloped. Certain emotional moments don’t land with the depth they aim for, leading to a less impactful second half.
❌ Tonal Inconsistency
The film occasionally shifts abruptly between comedy and drama, which can be jarring. Some scenes feel mismatched in mood, affecting narrative flow.
Performances
🎭 Naslen (Jojo Johnson): Effortless and charming, Naslen brings his signature wit and warmth to the role. His journey from a clueless teen to someone with quiet confidence is portrayed with nuance.
🎭 Ganapathi (Deepak): More subdued but emotionally layered. Despite limited writing, Ganapathi brings sincerity to his part.
🎭 Sandeep Pradeep, Franco Francis & Shiva Hariharan: Add comic relief and balance to the group dynamic. Shiva’s expressive style stands out.
🎭 Anagha Ravi, Nanda Nishanth & Noila Francy: The female cast, though in limited roles, add breezy energy and emotional depth.
🎭 Lukman Avaran (Coach Antony Joshua): Underplayed but impactful; a missed opportunity for a richer character arc.
Technical Aspects
🎥 Cinematography: Captures the coastal town’s earthy textures and brings authenticity to the film’s locations.
🎵 Music: Vishnu Vijay’s subtle score enhances both emotional and comedic scenes without overpowering them.
✂️ Editing: Efficient in the sports sequences but occasionally loose during dramatic moments.
🎬 Direction: Khalid Rahman dares to move away from mainstream formulas and delivers a grounded, if slightly uneven, coming-of-age tale.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Alappuzha Gymkhana may not be a conventional sports drama, but it scores with its honest storytelling, strong ensemble cast, and heartfelt depiction of youth. Despite minor flaws in its emotional pacing and tonal consistency, the film leaves you with a warm aftertaste and a smile. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always about winning; sometimes, it’s just about showing up, trying again, and finding your people along the way.
If you’re in the mood for a film that values sincerity over spectacle, Alappuzha Gymkhana deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist.