Alappuzha Gymkhana: 2025 Malayalam sleeper hit made on just Dh5.28 million that became a blockbuster

Gulf News

24-04-2025

Dubai: In a year dominated by star-driven blockbusters and high-concept thrillers, Alappuzha Gymkhana emerged as an unexpected success story from the Malayalam film industry.
Directed by Khalid Rahman and starring Naslen in the lead role, the film quietly punched above its weight—both critically and commercially—and became one of the most talked-about Malayalam releases of 2025.
So, why did Alappuzha Gymkhana work?
At its core, the film offered a grounded and refreshingly relatable take on the sports genre. Instead of focusing on a rags-to-riches journey or a climactic championship, it followed Jojo Johnson (played with effortless charm by Naslen), a college student who, along with his friends, joins a boxing club not out of passion but in pursuit of grace marks. What starts off as a comical ploy soon transforms into a deeper, more sincere exploration of purpose, friendship, and self-worth.
This underdog sports story worked precisely because it wasn't trying to be inspirational in the conventional sense. There were no grand speeches or dramatic training montages. Instead, Alappuzha Gymkhana leaned into small, human moments—awkward silences, spontaneous jokes, and the quiet satisfaction of emotional growth. The film didn't glorify the sport of boxing, but used it as a backdrop to explore themes of identity and connection.
The cast played a huge role in bringing this emotional honesty to life. Naslen's portrayal of Jojo was warm, funny, and understated, while supporting actors like Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi S. Poduval, and Anagha Ravi added genuine depth to their characters. Together, they created a world that felt lived-in and emotionally resonant. Critics praised the performances for their authenticity, with many noting how the ensemble elevated what could have been a light-hearted comedy into something with surprising emotional heft.
Then there's the film's box office story. Made on a modest budget of Dh5.3 million, Alappuzha Gymkhana defied expectations by grossing over Dh27 million worldwide within just two weeks of release. It quickly surpassed Rekhachithram to become the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year, just behind L2: Empuraan.
That kind of performance isn't just impressive—it's a testament to how deeply the film resonated with viewers, especially younger audiences who saw themselves in Jojo's uncertain, aimless beginnings.
Technically, too, the film stood out. Jimshi Khalid's cinematography beautifully captured the sun-drenched charm of Alappuzha, lending a relaxed, observational tone to the storytelling. The music was subtle and emotional without being manipulative, and the editing kept the narrative tight, flowing smoothly between moments of humour and introspection.
Khalid Rahman's direction deserves special mention. He resisted the temptation to dramatise or sentimentalise, choosing instead to tell the story with a light, human touch. There's humour, yes—but it's organic, never forced. There's emotion, but it's never melodramatic. That balance gave Alappuzha Gymkhana its unique flavour: a film that felt like a slice of life, even within a stylised sports setting.
Ultimately, Alappuzha Gymkhana succeeded because it was honest. It didn't try to be larger-than-life—it focused on being true to life. It gave audiences characters they could root for not because they were extraordinary, but because they were entirely ordinary, trying to figure things out one awkward step at a time.