‘Daveed’: A boxing drama that lands its punches with heart and sweat | Movie Review

When you think of movies with boxing as the premise, 'Rocky' or 'Million Dollar Baby' probably pop into your head instantly. Bollywood has its share too, with films like 'Mary Kom'. But what about Malayalam cinema? If someone asked you to name a boxing movie, you’d probably have to think for a bit. That’s where 'Daveed', starring Antony Varghese Pepe, comes in—it’s got punches, drama, and fun to finally give Malayalam cinema a solid boxing film.

The film revolves around Aashiq Abu, or just Abu, who is introduced as a carefree loafer while his wife (Lijomol Jose) takes on the responsibility of running the household. He takes up bouncer's jobs every now and then, but always on his own terms. To their fourth-grade daughter, though, Abu is nothing short of a hero—someone who can take on anyone. While the story follows a familiar underdog arc, its real strength lies in the gripping and well-executed boxing sequences. Debutant director Govind Vishnu does a great job of building tension in the first half, especially through Aashiq’s encounter with world boxing champion Sainul Akhmadov, played by Mo Ismail, which ultimately leads to a high-stakes showdown between the two.

Pepe carries the film with a committed performance, transforming himself physically and delivering intense, well-executed fight sequences. Lijomol Jose and Jess Sweejan, as his wife and daughter, bring warmth and authenticity, making their bond real and intense. While the boxing keeps the energy high, the father-daughter relationship adds an emotional core that makes the story hit even harder.

Vijayaraghavan does a fine job as Pepe’s coach, bringing just the right amount of experience to the role. On the comedy front, Saiju Kurup takes charge, and while his performance might feel familiar, his well-timed one-liners still land, adding some lighthearted moments to 'Daveed'.

In any sports film, especially a boxing movie, editing plays a crucial role in accentuating the intensity of close-quarter action. Rakesh Cherumadam handles this well, using brisk cuts that keep the boxing sequences dynamic and maintain a steady flow throughout. The film avoids overusing slow-motion shots, making the action feel more realistic and immersive.
Justin Varghese's music packs a punch, seamlessly blending with the boxing sequences to heighten the intensity and drama.

The second half of the film is largely dedicated to training and fight sequences. Since audiences are already familiar with the typical beats of a sports drama, the progression may not feel entirely new. However, what keeps it engaging is the way 'Daveed' grounds these moments in a distinctly Kerala setting, adding a local flavour that makes the familiar feel fresh. The climax is well-executed, capturing the energy of a real boxing match. Pepe and Mo Ismail bring their A-game, making the final showdown all the more gripping.

The film may not have the scale of a Hollywood sports drama, but the effort put into it, the work behind the scenes, and Pepe’s strong performance hold it together. While it keeps things grounded, the film delivers where it matters, making it a worthy watch in theatres.