Alappuzha Gymkhana

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.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed that a Telugu dub wasn't available, finding only Malayalam and Tamil audio options. However, undeterred, I booked my ticket at Lulu Mall in Hyderabad, relying on my limited Malayalam knowledge. To my pleasant surprise, English subtitles were available, which I was very grateful for.

As for the movie itself, it offers a smooth and engaging screenplay filled with casual, relatable comedy, much like observing the everyday lives of teenagers. The addition of boxing as a central element was a fantastic choice. While I might have been okay with seeing untrained actors portray boxers, I was impressed to see that the entire cast was clearly well-trained in the sport, evident in their stances. Even Nelson's surprising six-pack added to the authenticity.

I particularly feel that Anagha Ravi deserves a full-fledged sports drama centered around boxing, a sentiment reinforced by the recently released video song.

The cinematography is truly outstanding. Capturing boxing scenes effectively is a challenging task with a high risk of failure, but the filmmakers absolutely nailed it. Some shots were reminiscent of Hollywood-level production, and I was particularly satisfied with the boxing visuals, especially after watching "Sarpatta."

Regarding the music, I enjoyed the trailer's background score and had already listened to three great songs on music streaming apps. The background music in the theater was also good, although I feel it would be best appreciated in a home theater setup or with quality earphones at home.

The screenplay is consistently smooth, and the story stands out for not being a typical, predictable boxing drama. This is where the movie's magic lies - it strikes a perfect balance, neither too intense nor too light.

I especially appreciated the climax. Just as I thought the movie was concluding, an interesting scene unfolded with a large group of boys, which I wasn't expecting. It was a great way to end the film.

Overall, this movie offers a refreshing and well-executed take on teenage life blended with the exciting world of boxing. It's definitely worth watching.

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.

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.

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.