A Fun-Filled Boxing Drama Packed with Inspiration and Life Lessons for Youth
TeluguTone, April 27, 2025: Originally a superhit in Malayalam as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Gymkhana has been dubbed into Telugu and released in theaters on April 25, 2025. Starring Premalu fame Naslen in the lead, this sports comedy-drama is brimming with entertainment, emotions, and valuable life lessons that resonate with the youth. Directed by Khalid Rehman, the film is crafted in a refreshing, feel-good style, making it a perfect watch for young audiences. What inspiration and lessons does this movie offer to the youth? TeluguTone dives into the highlights of Gymkhana and the life-changing messages it imparts.
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Plot Summary
Set in Alappuzha, the story follows five friends—Jojo Johnson (Naslen), David “DJ” John (Baby Jean), Shifas “Valthu” Ahmad (Sandeep Pradeep), Shifas “Cherthu” Ali (Franco Francis), and Shanavas (Shiva Hariharan)—who fail their 12th-grade board exams, except for Shanavas. With college admissions looking bleak, Jojo discovers a pathway to enroll through a sports quota. The group picks boxing and begins training at a local gymkhana under the guidance of former boxing champion Antony Joshua (Lukman Avaran) to prepare for the Kerala State Amateur Boxing Championship. Do they take boxing seriously, or is it just a way to pass the time? What secrets does their coach’s past hold? The film gradually unravels these questions, blending humor, friendship, and ambition.
Highlights of the Movie
1. Feel-Good Youth Entertainer
Unlike traditional sports dramas, Gymkhana offers a light-hearted narrative filled with humor, friendship, and youthful energy. Director Khalid Rehman, known for Thallumaala, has crafted a refreshing entertainer that connects with the youth through relatable everyday experiences. While the first half feels slightly slow, the second half elevates the film with gripping boxing sequences and emotional moments. A social media user described it as “a perfect balance of laughs in the first half and goosebump-inducing boxing scenes in the second.”
2. Naslen’s Charming Performance
Naslen, who won hearts with Premalu, shines as Jojo Johnson with his infectious energy, impeccable comic timing, and emotional depth. His natural acting is the film’s biggest strength. Supporting actors like Lukman Avaran (Antony Joshua), Baby Jean (David), and Anagha Ravi (Natasha) also breathe life into their roles. A social media post praised “Naslen’s performance and trendy meme references for extra laughs.”
3. Stylish Technical Aspects
Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography, especially in the boxing sequences, is a visual treat. Vishnu Vijay’s background score adds energy to the scenes, while Nishadh Yusuf’s editing ensures a fast-paced second half. The Telugu dubbing, with its trendy dialogues and meme references, appeals strongly to the youth, enhancing the film’s entertainment quotient.
4. Friendship and Youthful Vibes
The film’s heart lies in the natural chemistry among the five friends. Their fun banter, conflicts, and challenges feel highly relatable to young audiences. Anagha Ravi’s character, Natasha, who carves her place in the male-dominated boxing world, subtly delivers a message of gender equality.
Life Lessons for the Youth
Gymkhana is more than a boxing drama; it’s a story of youth, friendship, and self-discovery. Here are key lessons the youth can take away from the film:
- Failure is Not the End, But a New Beginning: Despite failing their 12th-grade exams, Jojo and his friends find a new path through boxing. The film teaches youth to view failures as opportunities for fresh starts.
- The Power of Friendship: The bond among the five friends is the soul of the movie. Supporting each other through challenges and laughing together highlights the value of friendship. A social media user called it “a celebration of friendship, love, and youth.”
- Finding Purpose and Identity: The group starts boxing as a pastime but gradually discovers purpose in it. The film emphasizes the importance of finding one’s calling and recognizing personal strengths.
- Embracing Defeat with Dignity: Unlike typical sports films where the hero always wins, Gymkhana teaches that accepting defeat gracefully and finding joy in small victories builds resilience and patience.
- Gender Equality and Women’s Strength: Through Natasha’s character, the film subtly showcases women’s place in male-dominated fields. Youth should learn to respect gender equality and acknowledge women’s capabilities.
- Celebrating Small Wins: The movie underscores that the journey and experiences matter more than the outcome. Youth should celebrate small milestones and value every step of their journey.
Drawbacks
The first half of the film feels slow at times, and the romance track doesn’t fully engage. The lack of deeper emotional moments might disappoint some viewers. However, the second half’s boxing sequences and humor compensate for these shortcomings.
Box Office and Audience Response
Gymkhana was a box office success in Malayalam, grossing ₹30 crore. In Telugu, it’s gaining traction among the youth, with bookings increasing through positive word-of-mouth. A social media user noted, “Top-notch boxing scenes and seamless entertainment.”
Rating: 3.5/5
Gymkhana is a light-hearted, youthful entertainer that balances humor, friendship, and life lessons. Naslen’s charming performance, stylish boxing sequences, and relatable storyline make it a perfect weekend watch. Its inspiring messages and fun-filled moments add to its appeal for young audiences.
Conclusion
Gymkhana delivers laughter, energy, and life-affirming inspiration for the youth. With lessons on overcoming failures, valuing friendship, and embracing defeat with grace, this film encourages young viewers to reflect. Enjoy this feel-good entertainer with friends in theaters!
