Directed by Khalid Rahman, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a Malayalam-language sports drama that blends humor, friendship, and passion for boxing into a refreshing cinematic experience. Starring Naslen in the lead role, the film brings together a group of young talents portraying amateur boxers who stumble into the sport with the initial intention of securing college admissions. What begins as a casual attempt soon evolves into a deeper journey of personal growth and athletic ambition.
In This Article:
Plot and Characters
The story revolves around Jojo Johnson, played by Naslen, and his group of friends—Shifas Ahammed (Sandeep Pradeep), David John (Baby Jean), Deepak (Ganapathi), and Shanavas (Shiva Hariharan). These young men, lacking professional sports experience, take up boxing to benefit from sports quotas in college. Their naive and lighthearted start turns into a journey filled with challenges, self-discovery, and unexpected success.
The film smartly uses the setting of Alappuzha to build a vibrant backdrop where these characters train and bond. Their journey is guided by Coach Antony Joshua (Lukman), who has his own complex past and personal hurdles. He serves as both mentor and motivator, grounding the film’s more whimsical elements with a layer of seriousness.
Performances and Direction
Naslen’s portrayal of Jojo is energetic, relatable, and humorous. He brings a natural charm to the role, making the character’s transformation from an underdog to a passionate sportsman believable. Sandeep Pradeep, Ganapathi, and the rest of the cast offer solid performances that add depth and humor throughout the film.
Lukman as the coach brings gravitas to the story, portraying a man torn between his past regrets and present responsibilities. Anagha Ravi, Nanda Nishanth, and Noila Francy play supporting roles, though female characters don’t receive as much development as their male counterparts.
Director Khalid Rahman takes a different route compared to typical sports dramas. Instead of relying on slow-motion training montages or overly emotional plotlines, the film stays grounded and fast-paced. The humor is situational, and the boxing sequences are realistic enough to maintain interest without being overly dramatized.
Narrative Style and Cinematography
The screenplay focuses more on camaraderie and personal growth than dramatic rivalries. This shift allows the film to maintain a light tone even during intense scenes. The cinematography captures the streets and gyms of Alappuzha well, creating a relatable and grounded atmosphere. The background score is subtle but effective, complementing the film’s rhythm without overwhelming it.
Final Verdict
Alappuzha Gymkhana is an enjoyable addition to Malayalam cinema’s growing catalog of fresh, youth-centric films. Its focus on friendship, sportsmanship, and humor gives it a unique edge over formulaic sports dramas. While the narrative may not hit all emotional highs expected from the genre, it compensates with strong performances, a relatable setting, and a well-paced storyline. The film is a must-watch for fans of realistic, feel-good cinema that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
By – Kartik
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