Alappuzha Gymkhana Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama with Simplicity at its Core

Rating: 3/5

Introduction: A Fresh Take on Sports Drama

When you think of sports dramas, the first things that come to mind are stories about underdogs, intense rivalries, or last-minute heroic victories. But Khalid Rahman’s Alappuzha Gymkhana offers a pleasant surprise. This isn’t your typical boxing film filled with heavy emotion or over-the-top drama. Instead, it’s a breezy, simple coming-of-age story that charms you with its heart and humour.

Plot Overview: Friends, Failures, and Finding Purpose

Set in the serene backdrop of Alappuzha, the story begins in the most laid-back manner—a toddy shop where a group of friends awaits their 12th standard exam results. For Jojo Johnson (Naslen K Gafoor) and his gang—Shifas, David, and Shanavas—passing or failing hardly matters. What starts as a casual decision to join the local gymkhana for the sake of getting a college seat slowly turns into a journey of self-discovery, bonding, and quiet personal victories.

Boxing for them is initially just another box to tick. But as they train under the watchful eye of coach Antony Joshua (Lukman Avaran), they unexpectedly find purpose, discipline, and a sense of identity they never knew they needed.

Characters & Performances: A Delightful Ensemble

Naslen K Gafoor delivers an honest, charming performance as Jojo—a boy more interested in impressing girls than throwing punches. His journey of self-realisation, especially through his awkward crushes on Anupama (Nanda Nishanth) and Natasha (Anagha Ravi), brings light moments and genuine laughs.

Lukman Avaran shines as the tough yet sincere coach Antony Joshua, adding a sense of seriousness and credibility to the boxing sequences. Supporting actors like Ganapathi, Sandeep Pradeep, and Franco Francis make the gang relatable and fun to watch. Anagha Ravi stands out for portraying a no-nonsense, strong female boxer—a refreshing touch rarely seen in this genre.

Boxing and Beyond: Simplicity Wins

Unlike typical sports dramas that go for big emotional knockouts, Alappuzha Gymkhana keeps things understated. The boxing matches are raw, realistic, and engaging—especially in the second half. One of the film’s best moments comes when Cheruthu delivers a quiet but powerful line to his friend Valuthu, symbolising personal triumph.

Technical Merits: Music and Visuals That Speak

Vishnu Vijay’s energetic music gives the film its emotional pulse. Songs like ‘Punchara Punch’ and ‘Hatja’ lift the boxing sequences and training montages, making them memorable.

Cinematographer Jimshi Khalid captures Alappuzha’s beauty effortlessly, while the boxing shots feel intimate and impactful. However, the editing—while decent in the first half—loses steam in the second, slightly dragging the story towards a predictable end.

Drawbacks: Playing a Bit Too Safe

While the film’s warmth and sincerity are its strengths, its biggest weakness is predictability. The storyline treads familiar ground without taking big creative risks. The writing feels cautious, avoiding surprises or fresh perspectives, and some subplots—especially the romantic angles—could have been more developed.

Final Verdict: A Gentle, Feel-Good Drama Worth a Watch

Alappuzha Gymkhana is not a game-changer in the sports drama genre, but that’s also its charm. Its simplicity, relatable characters, and gentle humour make it a feel-good watch, especially for those who enjoy slice-of-life cinema with a sports backdrop.

If you

2.8/5 - (5 votes)
Jun 5, 2025 - Posted by filmygod - No Comments

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