Daveed (2025) Movie Review: A Solid Action Drama with a Familiar Twist
Overview:
“Daveed”, directed by Govind Vishnu, is a Malayalam action drama that follows the classic underdog story in the world of boxing. With a mix of intense action, solid performances, and an engaging plot, the film succeeds in keeping the audience entertained, despite its predictable storyline.
Plot Summary
Set in Kochi, the film follows Ashiq Abu (Antony Varghese), a carefree man whose peaceful life with his wife Sherin (Lijomol Jose) is disrupted when Sainul Akhmadov (Mo Ismail), a world champion boxer, challenges him. The story mirrors the biblical tale of David vs. Goliath, with Ashiq reluctantly stepping into the ring to protect his family and prove himself. The film explores his transformation from a dependent man to a determined fighter.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Govind Vishnu
- Producers: Aby Alex Abraham, Tom Joseph
- Screenplay: Govind Vishnu, Deepu Rajeevan
- Music: Justin Varghese
- Cinematography: Salu K Thomas
- Editor: Rakesh Cherumadam
- Main Cast:
- Antony Varghese as Ashiq Abu
- Lijomol Jose as Sherin
- Mo Ismail as Sainul Akhmadov
- Vijayaraghavan as the boxing coach
- Saiju Kurup, Aju Varghese in supporting roles
Performances
Antony Varghese shines as Ashiq Abu, playing the underdog with sincerity and grit. Lijomol Jose offers a strong performance as his wife, bringing emotional depth to her role. Mo Ismail is effective as the antagonist, capturing the arrogance and ruthless nature of his character. While Vijayaraghavan’s role as the boxing coach is short, it adds a much-needed sense of mentorship to the story.
Action and Cinematography
The action sequences in “Daveed” stand out, with the film opting for raw, grounded boxing choreography instead of exaggerated bloodshed. The fights feel intense, and the physicality of the sport is captured effectively. However, the cinematography doesn’t fully elevate the action, with some moments feeling flat. Despite this, the film still manages to deliver on its promise of high-stakes boxing drama.
Music
Justin Varghese’s music adds a unique flavor to the film, particularly the track “Daveed Edakochi Ishq,” which captures the spirit of Kochi. The background score enhances the film’s intensity, particularly during the action sequences, contributing to the overall thrill of the narrative.
Critical Reception
While “Daveed” has been praised for its performances and thrilling action, critics have noted the predictable narrative and lengthy runtime as drawbacks. The film follows a familiar boxing movie template, which may not offer many surprises for genre fans. However, its engaging performances and adrenaline-pumping action make it a solid choice for viewers looking for an entertaining action drama.
Highlights
- Strong Performances: Antony Varghese and Mo Ismail deliver memorable performances that anchor the film.
- Intense Action: The realistic approach to boxing choreography adds an edge to the film’s action sequences.
Drawbacks
- Predictable Story: The narrative is familiar, following the well-trodden underdog formula.
- Slow Pacing: At over two and a half hours, the film could have been trimmed to maintain a brisk pace.
Conclusion
“Daveed” is a thrilling action drama that delivers what it promises — an entertaining underdog story with impressive performances and well-executed action sequences. While it doesn’t break new ground, it remains a solid choice for fans of the genre and those looking for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Ratings:
- 5/5 – Times of India
- 3/5 – Cinema Express
- 5/5 – Indian Express
- 4/5 – IMDb
Disclaimer: Ratings may vary depending on individual opinions and ongoing critical reviews.
