Alappuzha Gymkhana Review: Naslen’s sports comedy is a witty tale of underdogs which misses out on few punches

On April 10, 2025, the movie “Alappuzha Gymkhana,” featuring Naslen in the main role, made its way to the big screen. Exactly two months later, starting from June 8, 2025, you can enjoy this film from the comfort of your home on SonyLIV.

If you’re interested in watching the movie on OTT, here’s the TopMob review you need to check out.

The Plot

The narrative at Alappuzha Gymkhana revolves around Jojo Johnson and his companions, all having recently finished their high school board examinations. Upon discovering that many of them didn’t pass, they devise a plan to gain college entry via the sports quota.

Eager for success, inexperienced boxers choose to embark on their journey into the boxing world, believing it to be the most straightforward path. The remainder of the story follows their struggle to find a coach and whether they are able to accomplish this mission.

The Good

The film “Alappuzha Gymkhana” strays from the conventional sports comedy genre, particularly within the realm of boxing. Rather than focusing on the sport itself, it presents a comedic drama that revolves around youth, making it more akin to a coming-of-age story.

The movie opens powerfully, boasting talented performers such as Naslen, Ganapathi, Lukman Avaran, Anagha Maya Ravi, and Sandeep Pradeep who maintain a firm grip on their roles. Their genuine charisma and convincing portrayal of characters are clearly evident throughout.

Similar to other films by Khalid Rahman, Alappuzha Gymkhana is less dependent on its plot and more focused on its narrative. Initially, it might appear as a typical underdog story, but this sports comedy doesn’t unfold the journey of heroes reaching triumph, instead, it explores the story of misfit youngsters discovering their direction in life.

In this movie, the characters don’t deliberately take up boxing; instead, they discover it unexpectedly. What sets this film apart from others in its genre is that it’s not primarily concerned with who ultimately wins or loses, nor does it focus on a single character’s journey.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can’t help but be captivated by the stunning visuals masterfully crafted by Jimshi Khalid in Alappuzha Gymkhana. Not to mention the brilliant dialogue penned by Ratheesh Ravi that adds depth and intrigue to each scene. Lastly, Vishnu Vijay’s enchanting musical compositions truly elevate this production to a new level of excellence.

The Bad

Alappuzha Gymkhana might be compelling in terms of its plotline, yet it lacks depth when it comes to the storytelling aspect. Initially, the movie primarily focuses on the personalities of its characters, their bonds, and intense feelings that sustain them.

As a die-hard fan, I must admit, the second half of Alappuzha Gymkhana had me scratching my head a bit. The movie’s tone seemed to take an unexpected turn as the intensity ramped up for the decisive game.

Initially, we anticipated this, but the film now seems unbalanced compared to its initial stages. The character development seems fragile and collapses like a stack of cards, as the emphasis has shifted heavily towards the principal characters, contrasting with the previous approach.

Even though the movie runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, it seems incredible that those important details weren’t delved into more thoroughly.

The Performance

As a devoted admirer, I’m excited to share that the Alappuzha Gymkhana boasts an illustrious cast including Naslen, known for his fame from Premalu, Ganapati S Poduval, Lukman Avaran, Anagha Maya Ravi, and Sandeep Pradeep, among many others, in pivotal roles.

Naslen excels at what he does, but doesn’t bring many fresh acting nuances to the table. Still, his remarkable physical transformation deserves recognition. In contrast, it was Ganapati, Anagha Maya Ravi, and Lukman who created captivating scenes that truly stood out for viewers.

Watch Alappuzha Gymkhana trailer:

The Verdict

Instead of following the typical formula of a sports comedy film, particularly with boxing, Alappuzha Gymkhana offers something unique and emotionally engaging. For those who appreciate creativity and heartfelt storytelling, I recommend checking out the movie featuring Naslen, which is now streaming online.

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2025-06-17 21:07