Alappuzha Gymkhana

Alappuzha Gymkhana arrives like a surprise uppercut, smooth in its build-up and explosive in delivery. Director Khalid Rahman crafts a film that blends athletic grit with youthful charm, and the result is a surprisingly entertaining and stylish sports drama that packs in both punches and personality.

Let's start with the casting, absolutely on point. Every character feels like they belong to the world of Gymkhana. There's an authenticity in their performances, and it's crystal clear that the team put in serious off-screen effort, especially in the physically demanding sequences. And boy, does it pay off.

Lukman's entry is nothing short of electric. The pacing of the film suddenly shifts gears the moment he steps in, and from there, the boxing segments become the heartbeat of the movie. His scenes are pure class, intense, calculated, and incredibly engaging. Paired with the BGM that roars through every punch, dodge, and takedown, the boxing sequences achieve a cinematic high. It's no exaggeration to say that the background music is the soul of this movie, not just elevating scenes, but becoming a character in itself. Complete credits go to Vishnu for such an engaging score.

Ganapathi's character truly feels like the hero of the film. With his commanding presence and quiet strength, he anchors the story in a way that draws you in. Speaking of which, while the movie may lack typical "heroic highs" in the early half, Khalid masterfully saves that big punch for the climax, delivering exactly what the audience is waiting for. Though, fair warning, not all jokes land perfectly. A few flat moments break the rhythm, but they're fleeting and forgivable.

Another pleasant surprise is Anagha. She doesn't just appear - she steals the show. Her screen presence and flair light up the film. I just loved watching her moves on ring.

Interestingly, even though Naslen is a fan favorite, he isn't the main focus of the story. Instead, Khalid smartly uses him as the narrator, which brings a fresh touch to the film and allows more attention to be given to the whole group and the world of Gymkhana.

All in all, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a feel-good, festive treat with enough style, sound, and soul to make it one of the finest watches this vishu season. Whether you're here for the action, the style, or just a good cinematic experience, this one's definitely worth a watch.

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.

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.

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.

Boxing action choreography worked great. Excellent sound work to complement the action.

Naslen gave an outstanding performance.

Interesting scripting style. Director's movie - not an audience movie.

There is no specific story line as such. It is an experience. I was engaged pretty much all through the movie.

Boxing action brings in a lot of intensity but at the same time keeps a very safe distance from the ear clenching Marco. It is a pretty good balance. You can enjoy the violence without guilt.

Vishnu Vijay brings in some fresh music. The makers were just having fun. Cinematography, music, sound. There is no insight that the movie claims to lead the audience towards nor is there anything. However, in small scenes, there are interesting nuances that are conveyed.

It is a very bold movie - beating conventions. I am not sure if I enjoyed it as much as Thallumala. Soon after finishing Thallumala, I knew I would rewatch it. This one - I may.

Excellent performances from all the actors. Stylish. Vibe. Fun. Music.

It is experimental, and genuine.