Genre: Sports, Comedy
Director: Khalid Rahman
Cast: Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi, Franco Francis, Shon Joy, Anagha Ravi, Nanda Nishanth
Duration: Approx. 2 Hours
Rating: 2.75/5
Age Rating: U/A (Suitable for ages 12 and above)

Overview

Gymkhana is a coming-of-age sports comedy that takes a different approach to the boxing genre. Instead of focusing solely on grit and glory, it mixes laughter and absurdity with moments of personal growth, as a group of carefree youngsters find unexpected direction in life through the unlikely medium of a boxing club.

Plot Summary

Set in the picturesque town of Alappuzha, the story follows Jojo Johnson and his group of academically challenged, fun-loving friends who decide to pursue boxing to gain some respect in their community. They end up training under Antony Joshua, a retired boxer with a mysterious past. As they prepare for a state-level amateur boxing championship, the story unfolds with a mix of sports training sequences, humorous misadventures, and life lessons.

Performances

Naslen is the heart of the film, effortlessly carrying both the comedic and emotional moments with natural flair.
Lukman Avaran as the brooding coach adds depth, although his character could have used more development.
Franco Francis, Shon Joy, and Ganapathi lend strong support with their comic timing and brotherly chemistry.
The ensemble cast collectively adds charm, especially in the second half.

Direction & Technical Aspects

Direction: Khalid Rahman’s choice to present boxing through a humorous and laid-back lens is unique. However, this approach limits the emotional depth typically associated with sports dramas.
Cinematography: The visuals are warm and capture the local flavor beautifully, especially during outdoor sequences and boxing matches.
Music & Background Score: Vishnu Vijay’s score complements the film’s light tone, adding energy without overpowering the scenes.
Editing: The pacing could have been tighter in the first half, where the film meanders before finding its footing.

What Works

Fresh, humorous take on sports genre
Memorable lead performance by Naslen
Relatable small-town setting and quirky side characters
Effective use of contemporary cultural references and local slang

What Doesn’t Work

Slow and somewhat unfocused first half
The romance track feels unnecessary and underdeveloped
Not enough tension or stakes in the sports narrative
Emotional arcs lack the depth needed to truly resonate

Final Verdict

Gymkhana is a mildly entertaining sports comedy that tries to break away from the intense, gritty sports drama formula. With a charming cast and an easygoing narrative, it offers light-hearted fun for casual viewers. While it may not fully satisfy fans looking for motivational sports storytelling, it delivers enough quirky moments to be worth a watch.

Rating: 2.75/5