Alappuzha Gymkhana (2025) Movie Review
Alappuzha Gymkhana, directed by Khalid Rahman, is a Malayalam sports comedy that dodges the usual underdog clichés, delivering a fresh, relatable tale. Released April 10, 2025, it follows Jojo (Naslen K. Gafoor), a plus-two dropout, and his misfit friends who take up boxing to secure college admission via sports quotas. The film, co-written by Rahman and Sreeni Saseendran, shines with its grounded narrative, focusing on youth, self-discovery, and camaraderie over predictable triumphs. Naslen’s restless charm anchors the ensemble, with Lukman Avaran’s intense coach Joshua and Anagha Ravi’s nuanced Natasha stealing moments. The boxing choreography feels raw and immersive, backed by Vishnu Vijay’s vibrant score and Jimshi Khalid’s crisp visuals. At 140 minutes, it occasionally meanders, and emotional highs are understated, which might divide viewers expecting drama. Yet, its subversion of genre tropes and stellar performances make it engaging. Posts on social media show strong buzz, with 91K+ tickets booked in a day, though some felt it lacked emotional depth. A solid watch for those craving something different.
