- 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