Alappuzha Gymkhana Movie Review
Alappuzha Gymkhana: A Refreshing Punch in the Sports Drama Ring
Khalid Rahman's Alappuzha Gymkhana brings a breezy and grounded take on amateur boxing, capturing the spirit of youth and sportsmanship while steering clear of genre cliches.Writer-director Khalid Rahman takes a refreshingly casual approach in Alappuzha Gymkhana, a sports comedy that centers on a group of spirited teenagers stepping into the boxing ring. While the film checks many boxes of a conventional sports drama, Rahman intentionally shifts the spotlight away from individual heroism or revenge-fueled narratives. Instead, he captures the collective energy of young boxers from Alappuzha participating in an amateur tournament, celebrating the sport's impact on youth at a transformative stage in their lives.
What sets Alappuzha Gymkhana apart is its deliberate avoidance of the usual tropes. There's no exaggerated rivalry, no melodramatic backstories, and no token love angle-just the pure essence of sport and camaraderie. This decision lends the film a refreshing sense of authenticity. Although the plot lacks a strong central conflict, the film rides smoothly on the enthusiasm and charisma of its young cast, led by a charming Naslen Gafoor.
The story kicks off with Jojo Johnson (Naslen Gafoor), who, along with his friends, is at a crossroads after receiving his Plus Two exam results. In a bid to secure college admissions through the sports quota, they join a gymkhana in Alappuzha to learn boxing. Despite initial struggles, Jojo and his crew-including the earnest Shifas Ali (Franco Francis)-dive into intense training. The group later welcomes Deepak Panicker (Ganapathy S Poduval), an aspiring boxer, while Luke Avaran impresses as Antony Joshua, a fiery national-level boxer who takes on the role of their coach, bringing discipline and drive to the team.
Naslen delivers a vibrant performance in a role that fits him like a glove, even though the film doesn't demand deep emotional range. The subtle bond between Jojo and his mother adds a layer of warmth to his character. The second half is dedicated to the amateur championship in Kochi, with engagingly shot bouts that keep the energy alive. Cinematographer Jomshi Khalid captures the action with finesse, and the fight sequences are professionally choreographed, adding a realistic edge to the narrative.
Anagha Maya Ravi makes a notable impact as Natasha, a fellow boxer from Alappuzha, and her scenes in the ring are especially convincing. The ensemble cast is given equal footing, with Franco Francis playing a pivotal role toward the climax and Luke Avaran leaving a mark as the tough, impulsive coach. The screenplay isn't flawless-it dips into superficial infatuation and the climax feels slightly underwhelming-but the sincerity of the storytelling shines through.
Ultimately, Alappuzha Gymkhana stands out for its honest portrayal of a small-town boxing team and their earnest journey. The film steers clear of overdramatization and remains grounded in reality, offering light-hearted moments laced with youthful zest. It's a modest yet spirited film that finds its strength in simplicity and heart.
