Alappuzha Gymkhana Review: A Knockout Combo of Laughter, Action & Youthful Dreams

Alappuzha Gymkhana Review: A Knockout Combo of Laughter, Action & Youthful Dreams

Introduction

Alappuzha Gymkhana, directed by Khalid Rahman, is a sparkling sports comedy drama that packs a punch—literally and emotionally. With its unique blend of youthful energy, laugh-out-loud humor, thrilling boxing action, and heartfelt drama, the film lands as a knockout entertainer for the masses, especially the youth. The movie doesn’t just aim for the laughs—it has goosebump-inducing moments, a touch of romance, and a story that reflects the aspirations of a generation. With a promising cast and a solid technical backbone, Alappuzha Gymkhana delivers far more than one might expect from a typical sports-based comedy.

Plot

The film follows a group of young boys who, after failing their plus two board exams, are left at a crossroads. Instead of giving up or repeating the year, they find an alternate route: securing admission to a local college via the sports quota. With no sports background, the gang comically settles on boxing, purely out of convenience and luck. As the gang stumbles its way through district-level boxing competitions, the real challenge begins at the state levels. What follows is a rollercoaster of training montages, comical blunders, unexpected victories, rivalries, and emotional growth. And yes—plenty of punches, both in and outside the ring.

Direction and Screenplay

Khalid Rahman, known for his fresh and vibrant storytelling, once again proves his mastery over youth-driven narratives. Co-writing the screenplay with Sreeni Saseendran, the duo creates a pitch-perfect balance between comedy and drama. The film is peppered with hilarious one-liners (dialogues by Ratheesh Ravi are a treat), but never loses its emotional depth. The transitions from laughter to adrenaline-pumping sports sequences and then to heartfelt romantic or friendship moments are smooth and natural. The film’s pacing keeps the audience glued, and the underdog narrative feels refreshing despite a familiar arc.

Performances

Naslen K. Gafoor as Jojo Johnson leads the film with confidence and charm. His comic timing, expressions, and raw emotional delivery make him instantly relatable and lovable. This is easily one of his most entertaining performances yet. He has been terrific in boxing scenes too. His physical transformation for this character was stunning.

Lukman Avaran, playing Antony Joshua, brings a layered performance. He portrays vulnerability and strength with equal ease, and his chemistry with the rest of the gang adds a lot to the film’s soul.

Sandeep Pradeep as Shifas Ahammed is a revelation. His scenes are packed with energy and mischief, yet when the story demands seriousness, he nails it effortlessly.

Ganapathi as Deepak Panikkar delivers a very grounded performance. He is the emotional anchor of the group and shines in the more intense and dramatic moments.

Anagha Ravi adds a breezy charm to the film. Her character isn’t just a romantic interest—she gets moments of her own, and Anagha pulls it off with grace and natural flair.

The supporting cast adds plenty of flavor to the film. Franco Francis, Baby Jean aka Aabish Rahman, Shiva Hariharan, Shon Joy, and Karthik, Nanda Nishanth each play their parts with conviction, contributing to the team spirit and comedy. Seasoned actors like Shine Tom Chacko, Kottayam Nazeer etc make strong appearances, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Noila Francy also deserves a mention for her graceful screen presence.

Technical Brilliance

Visually, the film is a treat. Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography captures the essence of Alappuzha beautifully—be it the narrow lanes, the boxing rings, or the vibrant local culture. The frames feel alive. The way he captured the boxing scenes also deserves applause. The editing by Nishadh Yusuf is crisp, especially in the training montages and boxing sequences which are edited with high tempo and rhythm. Vishnu Vijay’s music enhances the emotional beats of the story. The background score elevates both the comic and intense moments, while the songs are catchy and complement the youthful vibe of the film.

Final Verdict

Alappuzha Gymkhana is not just a sports movie—it’s a celebration of friendship, dreams, and youthful madness. With a tight script, hilarious dialogues, emotionally resonant moments, thrilling boxing sequences, and a fabulous young cast, this film is one of the most entertaining Malayalam movies of the year. It offers laughter, adrenaline, romance, and hope—all in a perfect mix. Whether you’re a teenager, a sports lover, or someone looking for a feel-good ride, this movie will leave you smiling wide. Khalid Rahman and his team have delivered a sure-shot winner.