‘Padakkalam’ becomes the bigger hit over ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’

Two Malayalam films—Alappuzha Gymkhana and Padakkalam—that recently debuted on OTT platforms are stirring conversations online, but in a twist of fate, it’s Padakkalam that’s emerging as the audience favourite despite a quieter theatrical run.

While Alappuzha Gymkhana, a sports comedy led by Naslen, had a modestly successful run in theatres, Padakkalam struggled to gain traction. However, OTT viewers are now reshaping the narrative. Social media is abuzz with praise for Padakkalam, with many users expressing that the film was underappreciated on the big screen. One post read, “Padakkalam deserved more in theatres,” while another boldly claimed, “#Padakkalam should have got more appreciation than #AlappuzhaGymkhana.”

Alappuzha Gymkhana follows five school-leaving friends attempting to secure college seats through sports quotas, serving up friendship, confusion, and laughs. In contrast, Padakkalam dives into fantasy, revolving around a group of superhero-obsessed college students whose lives are shaken up by a charismatic new professor, Ranjith (Sharafudheen).

Both films offer distinct flavors, but the growing consensus is clear: Padakkalam is the sleeper hit that found its audience too late.

#PadakkalamDeservedBetter
#MalayalamCinema
#HiddenGem
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