Daveed Movie Review: Packs a punch despite a few missteps

Boxing films often adhere to a familiar structure: an underdog hero clashes with a powerful antagonist, trains rigorously to even the odds, and ultimately faces a final showdown. Debutant director Govind Vishnu’s Daveed largely follows this formula. While the narrative may be predictable, the film's impressive production and evident passion for the sport make it a thoroughly entertaining watch.

Director: Govind Vishnu

Cast: Antony Varghese, Lijomol Jose, Mo Ismail, Vijayaraghavan

The film's title, Daveed, alludes to the biblical David and Goliath story, with Ashiq Abu (Antony Varghese) serving as the underdog who faces the formidable Sainul Akhmadov (Mo Ismail). The film begins with a mention of the mythological battle, portraying Antony as Goliath, which is a bit on the nose. The makers use a good part of the first hour showing the domestic life of Ashiq, establishing him as a carefree Kochi resident who is dependent on his wife Sherin’s (Lijomol Jose) income. Despite his irresponsibility, Sherin seems content with their quiet family life. However, the arrival of a world champion boxer with a personal grudge threatens to break their peaceful existence.

The catalyst for the Sainful-Ashiq clash seems contrived. Ashiq, who often works as a bouncer for celebrity events, signs up to guard boxer Sainul at a local school. When children ask Sainul to demonstrate his fighting prowess, the egotistical boxer claims that he instils fear in his opponents with his punches and waits for them to flinch. He then tries to illustrate his intimidation tactic with Ashiq but to no avail. In an implausible and unprofessional display, Sainul resorts to physically assaulting Ashiq. While this encounter creates a compelling premise exploring the bruised egos of both men, it fails to portray Sainul as a dignified figure in the boxing world. Furthermore, the film's midsection, detailing Ashiq’s training for the big fight, feels unnecessarily long. However, Daveed''s strength lies not in its narrative complexity but rather in its making.

The boxing portions are a delight to watch, cinematographer Salu K Thomas infuses them with plenty of dynamism, which is especially evident in a flashback sequence offering context for Antony Varghese’s character. There is a sense of balletic grace in how the boxers move, and the fights have a great deal of urgency and tension. From ringside to overhead shots, the camera work is vibrant and creates a visceral and realistic portrayal of the sport. Another factor that ensures that Daveed remains an enjoyable cinematic experience is Justin Varghese’s music. The soundtrack includes gems such as ‘Edakochi Ishq,’ which captures the vivacious spirit of Cochin.

The cast delivers solid performances. Antony Varghese has the charisma and skill to convincingly portray a young man prone to tantrums who undertakes a daunting challenge for his family. Lijomol Jose, as the family's sole provider, imbues her underwritten role with plenty of life and charm. Vijayaraghavan also delivers a commendable performance as the boxing coach, notwithstanding his limited presence. Mo Ismail is a standout as the boxer whose ego far outweighs his accomplishments. For a mostly straightforward boxing drama, Daveed could do with some trimming. At two hours and 30 minutes, it feels longer than necessary. However, the film ultimately succeeds in delivering crowd-pleasing entertainment with a dose of adrenaline rush.