Alappuzha Gymkhana is a 2025 Malayalam sports drama directed by Khalid Rahman. It stars Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi Poduval, and others in key roles. Released on April 10, 2025, this film has surprised many by becoming a box office hit. In this Alappuzha Gymkhana movie review, let’s look at the plot, performances, box office collection, direction, and more.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Sport | Comedy
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Cast of Alappuzha Gymkhana: Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Sandeep Pradeep
- Director: Khalid Rahman
- Release Date: 10 April, 2025
- Language: Malayalam
Plot Summary
The story follows Jojo Johnson (played by Naslen), who, along with his group of friends, fails the 12th-grade exams. To secure college admission through the sports quota, they decide to pursue boxing. Under the guidance of coach Salim, they train at the local Alappuzha Gymkhana Club, facing personal challenges, tough losses, and the pressure of competition. It’s not just about winning—it’s about discovering who they are and learning to stand up again after every fall.
This Malayalam sports drama captures genuine emotions and struggles while focusing on friendship, growth, and second chances.
Performance Review
- Naslen (Jojo) shines in a heartfelt and relatable performance. He brings the struggles of a small-town youngster to life with depth and sincerity.
- Ganapathi Poduval adds energy and charm, delivering some of the film’s best moments.
- The Alappuzha Gymkhana cast, including Lukman Avaran, Franco Francis, and Baby Jean, brings authenticity and warmth.
- Anagha Ravi plays Natasha, a determined boxer who becomes a mentor and emotional anchor to the lead character.
- Nanda Nishanth, making her debut, portrays Anupama, Jojo’s early love interest.
- Noila Francy appears as Sherin, a close friend who offers gentle wisdom and steady support. While the film focuses more on the male protagonists, these female characters bring warmth, resilience, and meaningful presence to the narrative.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Khalid Rahman handles the story with simplicity and emotion. He avoids typical sports film clichés, choosing a more honest and grounded storytelling style.
Jimshi Khalid’s visuals are striking, especially during the boxing scenes, which are filmed with raw intensity and realism. The film captures the feel of Alappuzha, from gym interiors to the small-town streets.
Music & Background Score
Vishnu Vijay delivers a gentle, mood-driven soundtrack that blends seamlessly with the narrative. The background score elevates emotional moments without overwhelming them. It blends nicely with the film’s tone.
Box Office Collection of Alappuzha Gymkhana
With its realistic storytelling and lesser-known cast, Alappuzha Gymkhana unexpectedly struck gold at the box office. Made on a modest budget of around ₹12 crore, the movie quickly gained momentum through strong viewer recommendations and positive reviews. In its first week alone, it collected over ₹20 crore from Kerala, setting a strong tone for the weeks ahead. As of its 26th day, the film has earned approximately ₹43.73 crore in India net and crossed the ₹70 crore mark worldwide. These impressive numbers make Alappuzha Gymkhana one of the biggest Malayalam box office successes of 2025, proving that content-driven cinema continues to resonate strongly with audiences.
Alappuzha Gymkhana OTT Release Date
Alappuzha Gymkhana, the Malayalam sports drama directed by Khalid Rahman, made its OTT debut on June 13, 2025, exclusively on Sony LIV. The film is available in Malayalam, along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, making it accessible to a wider regional audience. For Telugu-speaking viewers, the dubbed version titled Gymkhana is set to stream on Aha Video starting June 20, 2025. The film’s digital release has further boosted its popularity, allowing those who missed it in theatres to experience its grounded storytelling, emotional depth, and strong performances from the comfort of their homes.
What Works Well
- Strong, natural performances
- A fresh take on a sports story
- Realistic boxing sequences
- Good mix of humor, heart, and friendship
- Emotional storytelling without melodrama
What Could Be Better
- The plot could have been tighter in the second half
- A bit slow in some parts
- Some side characters needed more development
Alappuzha Gymkhana Movie Review
Alappuzha Gymkhana is a warm, honest, and inspiring film. It tells a simple story with a lot of heart. With solid acting, beautiful visuals, and a relatable plot, it’s a must-watch for fans of feel-good dramas.
Whether you’re a fan of sports films or coming-of-age stories, Naslen’s new movie is worth your time.
FAQs
Q1: Who directed Alappuzha Gymkhana?
A: Khalid Rahman.
Q2: Who are the lead actors in Alappuzha Gymkhana?
A: Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi Poduval, and others.
Q3: What is Alappuzha Gymkhana about?
A: It’s a Malayalam sports drama about a group of young boys who take up boxing to get college admissions through the sports quota.
Q4: Is Alappuzha Gymkhana a hit?
A: Yes. It grossed over ₹70 crore worldwide and became a Malayalam box office success in 2025.
Q5: Where can I watch Alappuzha Gymkhana online?
A: You can stream Alappuzha Gymkhana on Sony LIV, where it’s available in Malayalam along with Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi dubbed versions.
Q6: Is the movie available in Telugu?
A: Yes! The Telugu dubbed version, titled Gymkhana, is available on Aha Video starting June 20, 2025.
Q7: Who are the female cast members in Alappuzha Gymkhana?
A: The female cast of Alappuzha Gymkhana includes Anagha Ravi as Natasha, Nanda Nishanth as Anupama, and Noila Francy as Sherin. Each of them plays a key role in supporting the film’s emotional and narrative depth.
Q8: Is Alappuzha Gymkhana worth watching?
A: Yes, the Alappuzha Gymkhana movie review highlights it as a refreshing and grounded sports drama with emotional depth and strong performances.
Q9: What is the runtime of Alappuzha Gymkhana?
A: The runtime of Alappuzha Gymkhana is approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes
