Daveed: 2025 Indian Malayalam Action Film, Trailer, Review

4to40.com March 6, 2025 Movie Reviews 802 Views

Movie Name: Daveed
Directed by: Govind Vishnu
Starring: Antony Varghese, Lijomol Jose, Vijayaraghavan, Saiju Kurup, Kichu Tellus, Jess Kukku, Mo Ismail, Aju Varghese, Ramesh Kozhikode, Deepu Mohan, Bhanupriya, Ajith Narayanan, Bibin Perumbally, Nileen Sandra
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Release date: 14 February, 2025
Running Time: 150 Minutes
Language: Malayalam
Rating:
Production Companies: Century Max John & Mary Productions, Panorama Studios

Daveed: Movie Overview

Daveed is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language action film directed by Govind Vishnu and written by Deepu Rajeevan and Govind Vishnu. It was produced by Century Max John & Mary Productions and Panorama Studios. The films stars Antony Varghese, Mo Ismail, Lijomol Jose, Vijayaraghavan, Saiju Kurup and Kichu Tellus in supporting roles.

The film was officially announced on November 23, 2023. Principal Photography commenced on 24 June 2024, in Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kottayam. The film’s songs and original score was by Justin Varghese.

The film was announced with a motion title poster that introduced the cast, accompanied by music from Justin Varghese. The first look poster, featuring Antony Varghese as Abu, a boxer, was released on October 11, 2024. The full cast was later revealed through social media posts. Promotional activities for the film began in early October, though the trailer is yet to be released. Director Govind Vishnu confirmed via his social media that Davood will hit theaters in February.

The music and original background score for this film were composed by Justin Varghese. The music rights for the film have not been sold yet.

The film is currently in the midst of its promotional campaign and is all set to be released in the first week of January 2025.

Movie Trailer:

Movie Review:

Debutant director Govind Vishnu’s Daveed is a well-made, entertaining sports drama. The film, given its genre, could have ended up being very predictable—and it is, to an extent—but the execution and the journey to these plot points are what make Daveed an engrossing experience.

Antony Varghese Pepe successfully transforms into Aashiq Abu, a former boxer turned slacker, whose wife, played by Lijomol Jose, shoulders most of the responsibilities at home. Despite this, their family of three, which includes their bubbly daughter, enjoys a peaceful existence filled with small squabbles and big joys. They live in a slum, and Abu often takes up security jobs for celebrities. Then there is Saiju Kurup, playing his kochappa, though their bond is more like that of friends. Abu gets hired to guard an international boxing champion, Sainul Akhmadov, notorious for destroying his opponents in the ring. However, a mishap occurs. What happens after that forms the crux of the film. The setup, tension, progression, and rationale behind the decisions were all well thought out.

There are moments where the film falters, especially a particularly unnecessary scene where Abu is summoned by his daughter’s teacher or the shout-out to Angamaly Diaries, which follows scenes crucial for setting the stage. Despite this, the first half is intriguing and is followed by an equally compelling second half.

The transition from Fort Kochi to Pooladikunnu, the boxing village, is done seamlessly, and many Kerala-specific elements are incorporated into the training scenes. The film itself builds upon the classic underdog story of David and Goliath.

The screenplay, co-written by Govind with Deepu Rajeevan, takes the possibility of clichés into consideration. They have made great efforts to steer clear of them, though some are unavoidable in a sports movie. The dialogues are well-handled, even those in other languages. However, a question lingered even when the film ended on a high note- why did this woman put up with her husband’s slacking for so long and why was it portrayed as something humorous rather than an issue worth addressing (or possibly a struggle with mental health given his past?). This point is somewhat justified in the film through the woman’s assertion that she will look after him for as long as its needed, but- are we serious here?

The fight scenes look spectacular on screen, and the background music and sound further contribute to the film’s grand feel. Cinematographer Salu K Thomas, editor Rakesh Cherumadom, composer Justin Varghese, and sound designer Renganaath Ravee have all done commendable work. The stunning visuals, crisp editing, immersive music and sound effects elevate the film.

Antony was stellar as Abu, whose struggles are not easy to sympathise with while Lijomol Jose carries her role with grace, never overdoing it. Mo Ismail is convincing as Sainul Akhmadov, the formidable international boxer. Vijayaraghavan is believable as Ashan, a character inspired by real-life boxing coach Puthalath Raghavan. Child actor Jess Sweejan also delivers a convincing performance as Abu’s daughter.

Despite missteps, the film is overall a worthy watch. It boasts a grand scale and commendable execution. On a concluding note, Director Govind Vishnu previously revealed that the protagonist’s name, Aashiq Abu, was inspired by his favorite filmmaker, director Aashiq Abu. That makes for a funny jab at media a character reads the headline of an online article- “Did you see what director Aashiq Abu did?”