Plot
Set in the scenic backdrops of Alappuzha, Kerala, Gymkhana follows Jojo Johnson (played by Naslen) and his four carefree friends, who take an unexpected detour into the world of boxing after flunking their 12th-grade exams. The gang joins a local gymkhana, where they train under the guidance of Antony Joshua (Lukman Avaran), a once-renowned boxer with a mysterious past. What begins as a way to kill time slowly transforms into a story about camaraderie, purpose, and resilience as the boys gear up for the Kerala State Amateur Boxing Championship. But as stakes rise, so do complications, both inside and outside the ring.
Performance & Direction
Director Khalid Rahman shuns the usual intensity of sports dramas and instead delivers a lighthearted, meme-laced underdog story full of youthful charm. Naslen shines with a natural, energetic performance, particularly excelling in high-intensity sequences. He’s ably supported by Franco Francis, Shon Joy, and Ganapathi, who each bring authenticity and humor to their roles.
Lukman Avaran is subtle yet powerful as the mentor figure, though the mystery surrounding his past could have been explored more deeply.
What Works
Relatable Humor: The script taps into meme culture and local wit, giving the film an easygoing, contemporary vibe.
Casting & Physical Transformation: The young cast looks the part and performs with raw sincerity.
Technical Strengths: Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography infuses energy, particularly in the boxing sequences, while Vishnu Vijay’s background score keeps the pace lively. Editing by Nishadh Yusuf is crisp during fight montages, making those moments feel cinematic.
Runtime: At just over two hours, the film avoids overstaying its welcome.
What Doesn’t
Slow Start: The film takes a while to settle into its core narrative, with an initial half that feels meandering.
Flat Romance Track: The romantic subplot adds little value and disrupts the film’s otherwise engaging tone.
Weak Second Half: The energy dips post-interval, especially due to repetitive and uninspired action choreography in the boxing ring.
Lack of Star Power: The absence of big-name actors isn’t a flaw in itself, but with one-dimensional character arcs, the story doesn’t always hold attention.
Not Your Typical Sports Drama: Those expecting a high-stakes “win-for-the-country” climax may feel underwhelmed by the more grounded, slice-of-life approach.
Final Words
Gymkhana isn’t your usual testosterone-charged sports film. Instead, it offers a quirky, youthful, and humorous take on boxing and brotherhood. While it stumbles in the second half and lacks a gripping emotional arc, its breezy tone, honest performances, and unique setting make it a decently entertaining watch—especially for fans of offbeat Malayalam cinema.
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