Identify: Alappuzha Gymkhana
Director: Khalid Rahman
Solid: Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi Poduval, Sandeep Pradeep, Anagha Maya Ravi
Author: Khalid Rahman, Sreeni Saseendran, Ratheesh Ravi
Ranking: 3/5
Alappuzha Gymkhana starring Naslen within the lead function hit the theaters on April 10, 2025. 2 months after its theatrical launch, the movie is accessible for streaming on SonyLIV.
In case you’re keen on watching the film on OTT, right here’s the Pinkvilla overview you could try.
The Plot
Alappuzha Gymkhana options the story of Jojo Johnson and his gang who’ve simply accomplished their Twelfth-grade board examination. After studying that almost all of them have failed in exams, the gang decides to safe faculty admission via sports activities quota.
In hopes of the identical, the novice kids determine to enter the world of boxing, contemplating it the best route. How the gang manages to safe a coach and whether or not they succeed within the job kind the remainder of the movie.
The Good
Alappuzha Gymkhana isn’t your typical sports activities comedy film set on this planet of boxing. Whereas it isn’t a lot concerning the sport however the kids, the cinematic enterprise appears like a coming-of-age comedy drama.
The movie begins sturdy with actors like Naslen, Ganapathi, Lukman Avaran, Anagha Maya Ravi, and Sandeep Pradeep holding a robust floor. The pure attraction these actors have and the flexibility to give up to the characters are strongly evident.
Very similar to different Khalid Rahman movies, Alappuzha Gymkhana doesn’t rely lots on the story however somewhat the narration. Whereas from the outset it appears it will be your typical underdog story, the sports activities comedy doesn’t inform the story of heroes rising to glory however extra about wayward kids discovering their path.
The characters of the movie aren’t individuals who develop a ardour in direction of boxing, however those that come across it by likelihood. Extra importantly, this movie isn’t about who wins or loses, neither is it a few single character, making it stand out from others in the identical style.
From a technical perspective, Alappuzha Gymkhana provides wealthy visuals by Jimshi Khalid and sensible dialogues by Ratheesh Ravi. Moreover, Vishnu Vijay’s musical compositions are an excellent facet.
The Dangerous
Alappuzha Gymkhana might maintain sturdy for its narrative, but it surely provides little from a narrative angle. The movie begins off counting on the characters, the connection they share, and robust feelings that maintain them collectively.
Nevertheless, coming to the second half, Alappuzha Gymkhana stumbles with its tone shift. With stakes rising, the sports activities movie shifts the tone in direction of the ultimate match.
Whereas this was anticipated all alongside, the film doesn’t have the identical steadiness it as soon as had within the first half. The character arcs fall down like a home of playing cards, with extra focus simply on the primary leads, not like the way it was up till that second.
Regardless of having a runtime of two hours and half-hour, it feels unreal that such facets weren’t explored correctly.
The Efficiency
Alappuzha Gymkhana options Premalu fame Naslen, Ganapati S Poduval, Lukman Avaran, Anagha Maya Ravi, Sandeep Pradeep, and lots of extra in key roles.
Whereas Naslen does what he does finest and provides little to no new shades in his performing, he should be lauded for his insane physique transformation. Nevertheless, it was Ganapati, Anagha Maya Ravi, and Lukman who made fairly some attention-grabbing moments for viewers.
Watch Alappuzha Gymkhana trailer:
The Verdict
Alappuzha Gymkhana is not like your regular sports activities comedy movie, particularly regarding boxing. In case you like one thing ingenious and emotional, do watch the Naslen starrer on OTT.
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