Alappuzha Gymkhana, now in Telugu, delivers a youthful punch with a story that’s both grounded and uplifting.
Directed by Khalid Rahman, the film follows Jojo Johnson, a laid-back teenager who, after flunking his 12th exams, stumbles into the world of boxing—not out of passion, but desperation.
What begins as a reluctant attempt to secure a sports quota seat slowly evolves into a journey of grit, friendship, and self-discovery. The Telugu dubbing retains the film’s raw charm and brings the Kerala-based narrative closer to regional audiences with authenticity.
Naslen K. Gafoor steals the show with a natural, relatable performance, while the supporting cast adds depth and delightful chaos. The film strikes a fine balance between humour and emotion, never becoming overly dramatic or preachy. Its grounded storytelling, quirky characters, and easy-going humour make it feel real yet cinematic.
The background score energizes the training sequences, and the cinematography captures both the sweat of the boxing ring and the soul of small-town youth.
Gymkhana is not just a sports film—it’s a slice-of-life story wrapped in humour and hope. It celebrates failure, second chances, and the awkward yet beautiful road to self-worth.
Rating: 3.5/5
