Alappuzha Gymkhana, a Malayalam drama that blends sports and friendship, is now streaming
Following a successful theatrical run, Alappuzha Gymkhana, the Malayalam sports drama, is now available for streaming on SonyLIV in five languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Directed by Khalid Rahman, the film tells the story of five friends who, after failing their board exams, take up boxing in hopes of securing college admissions through the sports quota.
Set in the coastal town of Alappuzha, the film stands out for its grounded storytelling. It avoids the usual sports film tropes—there are no dramatic victories or soaring speeches. Instead, it explores themes of identity, friendship, and self-worth with sincerity and subtlety.
Although the film was scheduled for digital release on June 5, sources say the OTT debut may be delayed due to pending licensing agreements. Despite this, Alappuzha Gymkhana has already emerged as one of 2025’s most talked-about Malayalam films, both critically and commercially.
At its core is Jojo Johnson (played by Naslen), a student who, along with his friends, joins a boxing club not out of interest, but to secure grace marks. What begins as a lighthearted plan evolves into a journey of personal growth, camaraderie, and quiet determination.
The film has earned acclaim for its emotional authenticity and the natural camaraderie shared by the cast.
Naslen shines in the role of Jojo with a performance that is both tender and layered, while Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Anagha Ravi, and Sandeep Pradeep strike a fine balance between humour and heart, adding depth and charm to this poignant coming-of-age journey.
Available to stream on Sony LIV from June 13.
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