‘Daveed isn’t just a boxing movie—it’s layered with family and heart,’ says Anthony Varghese

Malayalam actor Anthony Varghese, known for his intense performances and physical transformations, is all set to surprise audiences with Daveed streaming on Zee5, a film he says breaks away from genre stereotypes. In an exclusive conversation, Anthony shares what drew him to the script, and how stepping into the shoes of his character demanded not just a physical shift, but a deep emotional and mental reworking.
“When Govind narrated the story of Daveed, I immediately connected with it—especially the family sequences,” Anthony recalls. “That’s when I realised this film isn’t just about boxing or action. There’s a strong family layer that truly stands out.”
For the actor, this wasn’t just another action-packed sports drama—it was a refreshing blend of genres that offered something more nuanced. “I felt like I had something new to explore in this movie as an artist,” he explains. “Even the genre of Daveed carries a certain freshness. It’s not every day you get to work on a ‘family–sports action–entertainer’.”
Portraying the character Ashiq Abu came with its own set of unique challenges—both exciting and unexpectedly tough. “The most exciting and challenging part of playing this role was transforming myself into a family guy—more specifically, a lazy one,” Anthony says with a laugh. “Initially, I thought it would be easy since I’m a little lazy in real life. But things turned out to be quite the opposite.”
The transformation wasn’t just skin-deep. “To become Ashiq Abu, I needed a total transformation—not just physically, but mentally as well,” he shares. “The actor in me was not familiar with someone like Ashiq Abu. So, it required a lot of observation and homework.”
The physical transformation was particularly intense. Coming off RDX, Anthony had to drastically alter his physique for the role. “I shredded almost 23 kilos for Daveed,” he reveals. “During RDX, I was 96 kg. By the time we shot the boxing sequences in Daveed, I had dropped to 73 kg.”
He credits his transformation to an unwavering routine: “It was gym twice a day, daily boxing practice, and a strict diet. All of it came together to help me embody the character fully.”