In a surprising turn of events at the Mollywood box office, director Khalid Rahman’s latest venture, “Alappuzha Gymkhana,” has emerged as a frontrunner, captivating audiences and holding its own against the much-anticipated releases of Mammootty’s “Bazooka” and Basil Joseph’s “Maranamass.” The film, a sports comedy centered around aspiring young boxers, has not only garnered positive reviews but has also translated that into significant footfalls in theaters, particularly at the Alappuzha Gymkhana, a location intrinsically linked to the movie’s narrative.
The buzz surrounding “Alappuzha Gymkhana” was palpable even before its release on April 10th, coinciding with the Vishu festival. While the presence of young sensation Naslen K Gafoor in the lead undoubtedly contributed to the initial interest, industry analysts and moviegoers alike attribute a significant portion of the film’s pull to the directorial prowess of Khalid Rahman.
Rahman, known for his distinctive and versatile filmmaking style, has carved a niche for himself in Malayalam cinema. His filmography boasts a diverse range of genres, from the youthful romance of “Anuraga Karikkin Vellam” to the hard-hitting social commentary of “Unda” and the vibrant, energetic “Thallumaala.” This ability to navigate different cinematic landscapes with a unique vision has earned him a reputation as a director whose stamp alone can generate considerable anticipation.
“Alappuzha Gymkhana” marks Rahman’s foray into the sports comedy genre, and he appears to have hit the bullseye. The film revolves around a group of youngsters in Alappuzha who aim to secure college admissions through boxing grace marks, leading to humorous situations and heartwarming camaraderie. Rahman’s treatment of the subject matter has been praised for its light-hearted approach while still maintaining a sense of realism and emotional depth.
The film’s connection to the Alappuzha Gymkhana itself has further fueled local enthusiasm. The iconic venue serves as a crucial backdrop in the movie, and the narrative’s focus on the aspirations of young individuals within this setting has resonated deeply with the local populace. Reports suggest that the Alappuzha Gymkhana and its surrounding areas witnessed a surge in moviegoers eager to see their familiar locales and stories unfold on the silver screen.
The box office performance of “Alappuzha Gymkhana” has been particularly noteworthy considering the stiff competition it faced. Mammootty’s “Bazooka,” a thriller touted as a game-changer, and Basil Joseph’s “Maranamass,” backed by Tovino Thomas and promising a unique cinematic experience, were also highly anticipated Vishu releases.
However, early box office reports indicate that “Alappuzha Gymkhana” has not only held its ground but has, in fact, surpassed “Bazooka” in terms of collections in the initial days. As of its sixth day in theaters, “Alappuzha Gymkhana” has reportedly crossed the ₹30 crore mark in worldwide collections, according to industry trackers. In contrast, “Bazooka” has accumulated around ₹19.4 crore globally, while “Maranamass” has grossed approximately ₹10.58 crore in the same period.
This unexpected success underscores the drawing power of Khalid Rahman’s directorial brand. His ability to extract compelling performances from his cast, even relatively new faces like Naslen, coupled with his engaging storytelling, has resonated with audiences. Critics have also lauded the film’s refreshing humor, well-choreographed boxing sequences, and vibrant music by Vishnu Vijay.
While “Bazooka” and “Maranamass” have their own dedicated fan bases and are still running in theaters, the initial momentum clearly favors “Alappuzha Gymkhana.” The film’s success is a testament to the fact that strong content and skillful execution, backed by a trusted director, can indeed attract audiences even amidst star-studded releases.
The triumph of “Alappuzha Gymkhana” also highlights the evolving tastes of the Malayalam film audience, who are increasingly embracing films with fresh narratives and talented young actors. Khalid Rahman’s willingness to experiment with genres and his knack for identifying and nurturing young talent have undoubtedly played a crucial role in this success story.
As the Vishu season progresses, it remains to be seen whether “Alappuzha Gymkhana” can maintain its strong performance. However, the initial response clearly indicates that Khalid Rahman has once again delivered a film that has not only entertained but has also struck a chord with the audience, proving his mettle as a director whose vision can indeed pull crowds, even to familiar locales like the Alappuzha Gymkhana, amidst the clamor of big-budget releases. The film’s journey at the box office will be closely watched in the coming days, potentially establishing it as one of the Vishu winners of 2025.