Alappuzha Gymkhana

A fantastic cinematic experience that masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humour with genuine adrenaline-pumping moments. While the narrative arc might not be the central focus, the sheer realism of the unfolding events is incredibly compelling, feeling less like a typical genre film and more like witnessing something that could actually happen in such a setting. I particularly loved how the absence of tired movie clichés contributed to this authentic feel. The cinematography, especially during the close-quarters action, was truly outstanding, making you feel the impact of every hit and placing you right beside the characters in the thick of it. This immersive visual storytelling is a major highlight. Ultimately, this is a thoroughly feel-good movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen at least once for its sheer visceral and entertaining qualities.

Rating - 3.5/5

A well written and executed sports humour drama showing the struggles of teenage boys for building their life.

The plot of the story moves through the lives of few teenage boys who takes boxing as a medium to their college admissions and how boxing changes their outlook towards life forms the storyline.

Khalid Rahman has incorporated all the essential flavours to this movie for giving an entertaining experience to the viewers. The rapport among the boys and the families attitude with them were well portrayed by adding subtle humour elements in the screenplay. Khalid Rahman has kept the assurance alive among the audience expecting a good theatre experience. The boxing sequences and the mood set through the song Hatja was on point.

Naslen has given a natural performance in the movie as a boy next door. Ganapathi,Lukman,Franco,Sandeep,Baby Jean,Anagha Ravi & Shiva Hariharan also made convincing performances of their characters.

Jimshi Khalid has exceptionally shot the boxing sequences with Vishnu Vijay's music and BGM's elevating the vibe. Special mention to the editor Nishadh Yusuf(late) for giving a wholesome entertainer.

A good watchable fun entertainer and a go-to movie with family on this weekend.

Sometimes, the best cinematic experiences are the ones you least expect, and Alapuzzha Gymkhana is a prime example. Walking in with no expectations, I was immediately hooked; the film deftly pulls you from one scene to the next, maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout.

The boys' gang is a definite highlight, bringing genuine laughs with their excellent comic timing. Their camaraderie feels authentic and is a strong anchor for the movie's lighter moments. On the romantic front, while Jojo's attempts to flatter the girls were entertaining, I found myself unexpectedly rooting for him to end up with the one he initially refused to kiss, a testament to the subtle character development at play.

Surprisingly, given what I imagine might have been a modest budget, the boxing scenes are remarkably well executed. They carry a real punch and add an unexpected layer of grit to the narrative. The story itself gels seamlessly with the screenplay, ensuring a cohesive and enjoyable viewing experience, and each character, big or small, plays their part with conviction. Adding to the film's charm is a fantastic background score that perfectly complements the on-screen action and emotion.

This movie leaves you wanting more. I wouldn't be surprised if a second part is already in the works, and if it is, consider me eagerly waiting.

Khalid Rahman is now officially the Anwar Rasheed of the mid-to-late 2000s, creating bonafide entertainers that'll strike a chord with every audience segment, one way or another. However, as opposed to Anwar Rasheed, who has moved on to production and directs only occasionally, Khalid Rahman is busy cracking bro-code with younger talents, this time around, dealing with an almost fully Gen Z cast. Yes, as many remarked, the plot is basic, and even the overall progression is somewhat minimal. Naslen, though getting the most screentime, is not a solo protagonist here. Each member of the ensemble has specific shoes to fill, both in terms of action, humour, and morale-building.

Not every moment of humour lands smoothly, but they keep getting better, with the second half turning into a truly Khalid Rahman flick. The boxing matches are incredibly shot, and stay unique, given the layering attributed to each character. There's a lot of Ryan Coogler-esque shot composition, especially during the boxing match scenes, where Jimshi Khalid's brilliant frames work in close quarters with the sparring opponents. Kramer Morgenthau's DP work in the last two Creed films also comes across as a significant inspiration; at least, some of the punches are executed like REAL PUNCHES.

I thought Vishnu Vijay went into GOD MODE with his background score, completely stripped away from what I heard in Pani, Pravinkoodu Shaappu, and of course, Thallumaala. They not only elevate all the boxing set pieces, but also manage to send a zappy fire straight into your veins with what unfurls during that final street fight that goes BONKERS! Again, this is the kind of film that benefits from the vibrant reel-ish edit style that Nishadh Yusuf (RIP) was known in the last few years for (..not Kanguva). Vishnu Govind does a fantastic job with the sound design.

Finally, the CAST. I like how all the boys (Naslen, Baby Jean, Sandeep, Ganapathi, Lukman, and the rest) had interesting arcs of their own, which reflected in their fight styles as well as the normal teenager personas (..um, all these dudes are well into their 20s, so kudos to their physical transformations!). Plus, it's not always that a side character's recovery during a boxing match results in a clapworthy "mass" moment. The girls (Noila Francy, Nanda Nishanth, and Anagha Ravi) are all solid too, but since they get comparatively less screentime, we get to know their characters only at a superficial level. I'd love to see more of each of them in Malayalam cinema going forward.

On the whole, I don't have many complaints about what the film offered as a theatrical experience. It's a festival winner by all means, because its Head Chef and team have cooked it with mostly the right ingredients in the right doses.

Peak is an absolute masterpiece. Khalid Rahman's direction was phenomenal-he truly brought the story to life in a way that kept me completely engaged from the very beginning. I was so immersed in the film that I didn't even realize when the first half ended. The pacing was flawless, with no unnecessary lags or dull moments. Every scene had a purpose, and it all flowed so smoothly.

The acting was top-notch across the board. Each and every character felt so authentic and convincing, making it incredibly easy to get emotionally invested in the story. The performances were powerful and natural, and it's clear that the cast gave their absolute best.

What really stood out to me was the perfect blend of genres. The film delivered suspense, comedy, action, and emotion-all executed brilliantly. The action sequences were intense and well-choreographed, while the humor felt fresh and perfectly timed, offering moments of relief without taking away from the tension or seriousness of the story.

There was never a dull moment. Every element, from the cinematography to the background score, worked together seamlessly to elevate the overall experience. This film truly stands apart from others in its genre. It offers something fresh and unique that I haven't seen in a long time.

I genuinely can't wait to watch the second part. The cliffhanger and buildup were done so well that it left me craving more. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves cinema-it's an experience you don't want to miss. One of the best films I've watched in recent times.