Alappuzha Gymkhana (2025): A Refreshing, Heartfelt Spin on the Sports Comedy Genre
Released on April 10, 2025, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a Malayalam-language sports comedy that delivers a vibrant, unconventional take on the genre, directed by Khalid Rahman, the visionary behind Thallumaala. Starring Naslen Gafoor as Jojo Johnson, alongside Lukman Avaran, Anagha Maya Ravi, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Sandeep Pradeep, Franco Francis, Baby Jean, and Shiva Hariharan, the film is a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of Alappuzha’s boxing scene. Produced by Plan B Motion Pictures and Reelistic Studios, with a Telugu-dubbed release on April 25, 2025, this 130-minute U/A-certified film has grossed over ₹12 crore in Kerala alone, earning praise for its fresh narrative and youthful energy. This 800-word review explores why Alappuzha Gymkhana is a delightful, if imperfect, crowd-pleaser that redefines sports dramas.
A Story of Amateurs and Ambition
Alappuzha Gymkhana follows Jojo Johnson (Naslen) and his gang of friends—Shifas “Valthu” Ahammed (Sandeep Pradeep), Shifas “Cherthu” Ali (Franco Francis), David “DJ” John (Baby Jean), and Shanavas (Shiva Hariharan)—who’ve just flunked their 12th-grade board exams in Alappuzha, Kerala. Facing uncertain futures, they stumble into boxing after Valthu’s scuffle with a state-level boxer’s girlfriend sparks Jojo’s idea to pursue sports quota admissions for college. Enrolling at the local Alappuzha Gymkhana boxing school under coach Salim, the group—mostly amateurs with no real passion for the sport—faces grueling training and personal challenges. When Shanavas quits and DJ switches to wrestling, Jojo, Valthu, and Cherthu are mentored by Antony Joshua (Lukman Avaran), a former boxer with his own demons. As they compete in the Alappuzha District Boxing Selection Championship and aim for the Kerala State Amateur Boxing Championship, the film explores their growth, friendships, and unexpected resilience.
Unlike traditional sports dramas that lean on rousing victories or emotional redemption, Alappuzha Gymkhana subverts expectations. It’s not about winning trophies but about finding purpose through camaraderie and effort. Critics praise its “refreshingly linear” approach, comparing it to Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused for its slacker vibe and focus on youthful bonds over conventional heroics.
Performances That Pack a Punch
Naslen Gafoor shines as Jojo, bringing his Premalu charm to a role that’s equal parts flirtatious goofball and empathetic leader. His natural comedic timing and physical transformation—evident in the boxing scenes—make him a magnetic anchor, though some X posts note his performance occasionally feels “forced”. Lukman Avaran’s Antony Joshua is a standout, portraying a short-tempered yet vulnerable coach with depth, earning accolades as “phenomenal”. Anagha Maya Ravi’s Natasha, a talented female boxer, adds a refreshing gender dynamic, her quiet strength stealing scenes, especially when Jojo celebrates her victories despite his own losses. The ensemble—Baby Jean’s hilarious DJ, Ganapathi’s restrained Deepak, and others—creates a lively group dynamic, with their “awkward charm and clueless hustle” driving the film’s heart.
Technical Brilliance with a Grounded Tone
Khalid Rahman’s direction is a masterclass in tone, blending comedy, drama, and sports with a “slacker vibe” that avoids clichés like training montages or rousing speeches. Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography is a highlight, with dynamic camera angles capturing the boxing matches’ raw energy, escalating from exaggerated humor to intense realism as the stakes rise. Vishnu Vijay’s background score elevates the mood, with tracks like “Panjara Punch” adding vibrancy, though some songs feel unnecessary. Nishadh Yusuf’s editing keeps the pace brisk, especially in the second half’s “whistle-worthy” boxing sequences, though the first half’s slower setup draws mixed reactions for lagging at points.
The film’s grounded approach—rooted in Rahman’s own experiences with boxing for grace marks—lends authenticity, but its slim plot and lack of a conventional arc can feel underwhelming for those expecting emotional crescendos. The boxing choreography is “top-notch”, with actors visibly trained, adding realism to the ring. However, the absence of strong antagonists and underdeveloped subplots, like Jojo’s romance with Natasha, leave some narrative threads dangling.
Strengths and Shortcomings
Alappuzha Gymkhana excels in its character-driven storytelling and subversion of sports drama tropes. It’s less about glory and more about resilience, camaraderie, and quiet transformation, earning comparisons to Everybody Wants Some for its focus on small victories. The film’s humor, drawn from the gang’s banter and Gen Z quirks, lands well, especially in theaters, where audiences have cheered its “fun vibe”. Its exploration of fragile masculinity and female voices in male-dominated spaces, embodied by Natasha, adds depth, though these themes aren’t fully fleshed out.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. The first half’s leisurely pace and lack of conflict can feel “draggy”, and the second half’s repetitive boxing matches occasionally lack emotional weight. The romance subplot feels “flat” and unresolved, with some social media users debating whether Jojo’s flirtations reflect love or friendship, adding to the narrative’s ambiguity. Critics also note the lack of a “conventional end punch” and half-baked antagonists, which dilute the stakes.
Reception and Impact
With a 3.5/5 average rating from critics like The Indian Express and News18, and a 7.3/10 on IMDb, Alappuzha Gymkhana has won hearts for its “engaging, colorful ride”. social media posts call it a “blockbuster” and “clean entertainer”, though some fans found it “mid” or “monotonous” compared to Rahman’s Thallumaala. Its box office success—₹2 crore on day one and ₹12 crore by day four—signals strong appeal, rivaling bigger releases like Bazooka. The Telugu-dubbed version, Gymkhana, has also found traction, leveraging Premalu’s popularity.
Should You Watch It?
Alappuzha Gymkhana is a refreshing, feel-good sports comedy that trades underdog triumphs for authentic, relatable moments of youth and friendship. Naslen and the ensemble’s charm, paired with stellar technical work, make it a theatrical treat, especially for fans of Premalu or Linklater-esque hangout vibes. While its slow start and loose plot may not satisfy everyone, its humor, heart, and stylish boxing sequences deliver a “thorough fun ride”. Catch it in theaters for the crowd energy, and look out for a potential sequel hinted at in the climax.
Rating: 3.5/5
