Gymkhana: A Fun, Feel-Good Boxing Movie with a Few Stumbles
Gymkhana: A Lighter Take on the Sports Drama
The Telugu-dubbed version of the Malayalam film Gymkhana hit theaters recently, and it’s got a unique vibe. This movie isn’t your typical serious sports drama—think less Rocky and more lighthearted fun. It follows a group of friends in Kerala who decide to take up boxing after failing their exams. They join a local gymkhana and train under a former champion with a mysterious past.
The story unfolds slowly, revealing the characters’ motivations and the coach’s secrets as they prepare for the state championship.
What Works
Director Khalid Rahman, who also directed Thallumaala, brings a fresh and funny approach to the sports genre. Naslen, known from the Telugu film Premalu, shines in his role. He’s got great comic timing and brings a lot of energy to the screen. The rest of the cast, including Franco Francis, Shon Joy, and Ganapathi, also do a good job. It’s worth noting that the film uses trending memes and popular Telugu dialogues in clever ways, adding to the humor and keeping things light.
The second half of the film picks up the pace, and Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography really shines. Vishnu Vijay’s music keeps the energy high, and Nishadh Yusuf’s editing is fast-paced and engaging, especially during the boxing scenes.
What Could Be Better
While the premise is fun, the first half of the film feels a bit slow. Some scenes drag on a bit, and the story takes its time to gain momentum. The romance subplot is also a bit underdeveloped and doesn’t add much to the overall narrative. The cast is a mix of familiar and less-known faces. While the performances are good, some viewers might find it harder to connect with the characters because of this.
Finally, the film doesn’t aim for a grand victory or emotional rollercoaster like many other sports movies. It keeps things casual, which may disappoint viewers looking for those kinds of themes.
Overall
Gymkhana is a lighthearted and entertaining sports drama that mixes comedy and action. It’s not a groundbreaking film, but it’s a fun watch if you’re looking for something different. Just keep your expectations in check, and enjoy the ride!
