Boxing Gets the Sweet and Simple Treatment

A laid-back coming-of-age sports drama with heart and humor, Khalid Rahman's Alappuzha Gymkhana shines in spirit, even if the writing plays it too safe

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They prefer, trying to piece together where he's falling short. It's funny, earnest, and very Jojo. The only person he dares to ask about kissing, though, is Sherin. Her answer is simple but striking: "Keep it simple and sweet." That line doesn't just reflect Sherin's calm wisdom—it also sums up the film. Alappuzha Gymkhana doesn't come out swinging with dramatic twists or over-the-top emotion. It keeps things light, fun, and heartfelt. It may not reinvent the sports genre, but it's full of warmth and sincerity.

The boxing angle kicks in more seriously once the boys start training under Antony Joshua (Lukman Avaran), a former national-level boxer with a fiery temper. Lukman brings a solid presence to the screen and is one of the film's standout performers. The training sessions feel real and grounded. You can see the physical transformation the cast has gone through, and it adds a lot of credibility to the matches later on.