Egyptian actor Mo Ismail's ‘Daveed' breaks records, sets new standards in South Indian cinema

Egypt Independent

21-02-2025

'Daveed: The Story of a Fighter,' a Malayalam film, has achieved blockbuster success in South India, particularly Kerala, with sold-out shows in over 300 cinemas. The film's popularity extends to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and the capital. Notably, 'Daveed' marks Egyptian actor Mo Ismail's South Indian cinema debut, making him the first Egyptian to star in a film within this industry.
Ismail received critical and audience acclaim during promotional tours, demonstrating the widespread success of the sports drama 'Daveed.' The film has set new standards for the genre in Indian cinema, with tickets selling out within 48 hours across multiple regions, leading to packed cinemas and high box office returns.
Due to surging demand, cinemas have added extra screenings. 'Daveed' is projected to gross over 30 million rupees in its opening weekend, achieving record occupancy rates and becoming one of the year's most commercially and critically acclaimed Malayalam films. Industry insiders anticipate continued growth through positive word-of-mouth, further amplifying its global reach. 'Daveed' has also been released in the UK, Ireland, and the GCC, with screenings in 50 UAE cinemas, 25 in KSA, 14 in Oman, 11 in Qatar, 5 in Bahrain, and 2 in Kuwait.
The film's 9.1 rating on IMDb, coupled with critical and audience acclaim, highlights its exceptional quality. Reviews praise 'Daveed' as a groundbreaking film that elevates the standards of Malayalam cinema. The cast and crew are lauded for their outstanding work, creating a unique and compelling narrative beyond a typical boxing film. Mo Ismail and Anthony Varghese delivered authentic and impactful fight scenes, likened to pure adrenaline. Critics also note Ismail's international appeal, praising his seamless blend of high-impact action and emotional depth. The film's immersive and awe-inspiring experience underscores the team's success.
Concerning the film's rapid success, Ismail stated, 'This film goes beyond boxing; it highlights the struggle, resilience and fight that we all face. Taking part in 'Daveed' has been one of the most intense and rewarding experiences in my career, due to artistry, breathtaking fight choreography, and emotionally-charged script. That's why 'Daveed' is regarded as a unique film in Indian action cinema. What makes cinema powerful is seeing the audience relate to the story at a deep level; feeling each beat and every moment of victory'.
Regarding the leading figures of this success, Ismail said, 'Director Govind Vishnu has brought an unparalleled energy and new perspective for sports drama that I've never seen before. Additionally, cinematographer Salu K. Thomas captured every moment with raw cinematic power. Screenwriter Deepu Pradeep has created a catchy narrative that balances high-risk movements with profound human emotions. The artistic genius, fascinating fight scenes, and emotionally-charged script make 'Daveed' a unique film in Indian action cinema'.
Ismail stands as the sole Egyptian actor from the Middle East to have appeared in multiple Indian cinematic productions. He debuted in the Bollywood action film 'Khuda Haafiz 2' two years ago and has now starred in the Malayalam film 'Daveed.' This suspense-driven film showcases intense fighter struggles through meticulously choreographed action sequences.
The film meticulously focuses on the nuances of each confrontation, move, and beat, transforming them into a visually striking art form within a dramatically charged plot. 'Daveed' explores the world of fighters, where personal struggles intertwine with physical challenges in unpredictable encounters.
Ismail portrays Senul Ahmedov, a world-class boxer and rival to the film's protagonist, Abu, played by Anthony Varghese. Ismail delivers a compelling performance, infusing the character with depth within a framework of excitement and tension. This culminates in a climactic confrontation with a formidable champion. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Anthony Varghese Pepe, Kichu Tellus, Jess Kukku, Lijomol Jose, Vijayaraghavan, and Saiju Kurup.