Malayalam movies have always had a special way of telling stories that feel real and emotional. Daveed, released in 2025, continues that tradition with a heartfelt sports drama that many viewers will find easy to connect with. Directed by Govind Vishnu, the film follows the life of a once-promising boxer who has now settled into an ordinary family life. It stars Antony Varghese in the lead role, along with a talented cast including Lijomol Jose, Nileen Sandra, and Aju Varghese. What makes Daveed stand out isn’t just the action or the boxing scenes – it’s the emotions, the family moments, and the journey of a man trying to rediscover who he really is. Whether you’re a fan of sports films or just enjoy stories about people finding their way back to their passion, Daveed is the kind of film that draws you in and keeps you interested from start to finish.
Movie Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Daveed |
| Director | Govind Vishnu |
| Writer | Govind Vishnu, Deepu Rajeevan |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama |
| Cast | Antony Varghese, Lijomol Jose, Nileen Sandra, Aju Varghese, Vijayaraghavan, Saiju Kurup, Kichu Tellus, Jess Sweejan, Mo Ismail |
| Release Date | 14 February 2025 (UK) |
| Runtime | 137 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | No score yet |
| Box Office | ₹5.22 crore in 24 days |
Plot Overview
“Daveed” centers around Ashiq Abu, portrayed by Antony Varghese, a former boxing talent who has settled into a mundane life as a family man. His days are marked by lethargy, much to his wife’s chagrin. However, his daughter idolizes him, often boasting about his occasional gigs as a bouncer. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Abu crosses paths with Sainul Akhmadov, a reigning world champion boxer visiting Kochi. This encounter ignites a fierce rivalry, compelling Abu to confront his past and rediscover his fighting spirit.
Performance and Direction
Antony Varghese delivers a compelling performance as Ashiq Abu, capturing the character’s internal conflicts and transformation with nuance. Lijomol Jose shines as Abu’s wife, portraying her frustrations and unwavering support with authenticity. Mo Ismail’s portrayal of Sainul Akhmadov adds depth to the antagonist role, making the rivalry palpable.
Director Govind Vishnu’s storytelling is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The film’s cinematography by Salu K. Thomas offers stunning visuals that enhance the narrative’s intensity. Justin Varghese’s soundtrack, combined with Renganaath Ravee’s sound design, immerses the audience in the film’s world, particularly during the high-octane boxing sequences. Editor Rakesh Cherumadom ensures a tight narrative flow, maintaining the film’s momentum throughout.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Powerful Performances: The cast delivers emotionally charged performances that ground the film’s dramatic arcs.
- Technical Excellence: Exceptional cinematography, sound design, and editing elevate the viewing experience.
- Engaging Storyline: The narrative effectively balances personal drama with thrilling sports sequences.
Weaknesses:
- Predictable Plot Elements: Some story beats follow familiar sports drama tropes, potentially reducing suspense.
- Pacing Issues: Certain segments, particularly in the second act, could benefit from tighter editing to maintain engagement.
Public Review
Audience reactions to “Daveed” have been largely positive. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.0/10, indicating favorable viewer reception . Social media platforms and forums have seen viewers praising the film’s action sequences and emotional depth. One Reddit user remarked, “Literally one of the best sports movies ever for me. The fight sequences were shown really well”.
However, some critiques have emerged regarding the film’s narrative structure. A review from OTTPlay noted that while the film starts strong, it “loses steam in latter rounds,” suggesting that the pacing could have been more consistent.
Similar Movies: Shivangi Lioness, The Dupatta Killer, L2: Empuraan
Final Verdict
“Daveed” stands out as a heartfelt sports drama that combines emotional storytelling with thrilling action. While it navigates familiar territory within the genre, the film’s strong performances and technical prowess make it a worthwhile watch. Fans of character-driven narratives and sports films will find much to appreciate here.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
If you enjoyed films like “Mukkabaaz” or “Toofan,” “Daveed” offers a similar blend of personal struggle and athletic ambition.
Feel free to share your thoughts on “Daveed” in the comments below or on social media. Your insights enrich our cinematic discussions!