Khalid Rahman is not a filmmaker who repeats himself. With each film, he tries to do something new. After the emotional drama of ‘Anuraga Karikakin Vellam’ and the wild energy of ‘Thalumala’, her latest film ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ seems to be quiet, more grounded. This time, he tells a story set in the world of sports, but not the way we usually see. There are no heroes who chase glory, there are no major victories or underdog arcs. Instead, it is about a group of school children, which end in boxing ring for the reasons that are very low with the game.

These boys do not do boxing with passion. Most of them have failed their exams and have seen the game as their last shot on the college seat through the quota system. They are confused, uncertain, and are still detecting things, today like many youth. The story is not just about their career options; It also investigates friendship, love and relationships. The film does not turn him into jokes or does not try to make him champions. This simply sees them because they stumble through training, struggle to understand the game, and slowly start taking things seriously.

Unlike most sports films, which revolve around a central hero or a strict coach, ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ gives us a gang. Naslean, Ganpati, Baby Jean, Sandeep Pradeep and other special athletes do not look like and this is the case. They are on amateurs without any real game plan, but their heart is in it. While physical changes appear, emotional connect comes from their strange attraction and clules hall.

Nahlen (as Jojo Johnson) brings his common natural energy. He is a funny, quick-intelligent, and is naturally mixed in the film’s world. Jojo is uncertain about himself, and Naslen caught it without an overplay. Ganpati (in the form of lamps) has a more restrained appearance. His character takes a more emotional turn in the second half, but writing does not always give him the place that is completely necessary for him to land. Nevertheless, he plays a role with honesty.

Sandeep Pradeep (as Shifas Ahmed) and Franco Francis (in the form of Baby Jean) add humor and warmth, holding the group’s rhythm together. Shiva Hariharan (as Shanwas) stands out with his comic timing and expressive body language.

In girls, Anaga Ravi plays a boxer with confidence and ease, while Nanda Nishant and Noila French provide Breezi attractions despite their small roles. Lukman Avaran (as coach Antony Joshua) brings calm strength, but his character fade in the background in the latter, which desires you more.

Here’s the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=accvmr5RRN00

Some of the best moments of the film are the smallest: funny training sessions, accidental conversation before and after matches, clumsy molestation and coach’s one-liners. The film produces warmth through such everyday interaction. It does not force jokes or drama. The first half is slow, but warm, so that we settle in the world and to know the characters before handling matches.

In the second half, the tone changes. Meditation turns into matches and internal trips to characters. Some of these arcs feel confident, other people do so. For example, Deepak’s pre-climax decision, run away and lacks emotional weight, moves the tone of the film very quickly. The film tries to balance many subjects in characters, but some parts feel underdeveloped. Emotional heartbeat is not always in mind, and sometimes the mood suddenly changes, ranging from comedic to serious or other way, some scenes feel mismatched.

Lukman’s character, which could have a strong impact on the group, was reduced to the latter half- the opportunity of a lapse. And because the film escapes from big conflicts or specific opponents, the second half lacks a central emotional anchor. While this makes the story feel more realistic, it also leaves the end a little less impressive.

Nevertheless, ‘Alappuzha gymkhana’ is placed together with its lively energy and strong technical work. Vishnu raises the music mood of Vijay, and the matches are well shots and fast edited. Boxing keeps choreography and pacing speed alive during scenes. But even more, the film really runs is the bond between boys. Their friendship filled with moments of teasing, silly quarrels and calm support. They are not right. They stuck, mess up, and struggle to get things right. And that honesty likes them.

,Alappuzha Gymkhana ‘applause with big drama or attractive story. It focuses on small details and real emotions. This shows how a group of targetless teenagers gradually find a sense of purpose, even if they did not expect. It cannot leave a thunderous effect, but it leaves a warm one. You cannot miss every scene, but you will remember that it leaves behind.