Certain realities are inescapable. For Malayalam actor Antony Varghese, the action genre is one such reality. “This is what destiny has planned,” remarks the action star, known for his roles in films such as RDX, Angamaly Diaries, and Kondal. He admits, however, that he never anticipated carving out a niche for himself in the film industry as an action hero.

With each new project, Antony has further established his presence in this genre. His upcoming film, Daveed, in which he has shed 23 kg to portray a professional boxer, promises to elevate his performance to new heights. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, the actor discusses his latest release, his aspirations for this stage of his career, and more.

Though you have done a lot of action films, was Daveed’s the most physically exhausting role that you have played – especially because most of the work to look the part happened before you even started shooting?

Certainly. I am an individual who appreciates a wide variety of cuisines. Consequently, the process of reducing my intake was both physically and mentally challenging, particularly during the initial days. Prior to the filming, the producer of the movie, Achu, along with a friend who is a dietitian, secured a flat in Kochi. The objective was for all of us to reside together while I focused on getting into shape over a six-month period. I managed to lose approximately 23 kg, primarily through a strict diet, two hours of boxing each day, and two workout sessions daily. This regimen persisted even after we commenced filming, although the workouts were reduced to once a day. It was a demanding experience, but the effort was justified for a project of this nature.

How would you rate this in terms of difficulty – as compared to what you had to physically go through while shooting for Jallikattu?

In terms of duration, this experience was undoubtedly the most challenging. However, in Jallikattu, Lijo (Jose Pellissery) insisted on capturing the scenes in a raw manner, which necessitated adjustments to the conditions. We were required to film at a dam reservoir in December, which meant I had to endure the biting cold while being soaked. That presented its own difficulties as well.

Apart from Daveed being a boxing film, it also talks about the emotional relationship between a father and a mother, something a few of your previous action movies had lacked. Was that also what appealed the most to you while choosing the film?

The aspect I appreciated most about the film, which lacks a conventional hero, is that it narrates the tale of an ordinary individual through a blend of light-hearted humor, emotional depth, and familial drama. It does not rely on excessive action or violence. Rather, it presents a straightforward narrative that is accessible to all audiences.

What were the kind of action films that you enjoyed while growing up?

I greatly enjoyed viewing the films of Jackie Chan. They featured a generous amount of action intertwined with elements of comedy. I hope that similar films are produced in this region. Such movies can appeal to both family audiences and younger viewers alike.

Your action films – be it Angamaly Diaries, Ajagajantharam, or Kondal – have all had a very rooted-to-reality vibe going for it, especially at a time when filmmakers have gravitated to larger-than-life or violent action heroes. Daveed too has certain real-life references.

We aim to explore the life of Puthalathu Raghavan sir. Our journey took us to Polladikunnu in Kozhikode, a quaint village where boxing continues to thrive, earning it the title of Boxing Village. We captured several training montage sequences there, which we believe will resonate with our Malayali audience. In these scenes, we incorporated a blend of Raghavan sir’s techniques. Boxing encompasses more than merely delivering punches; it also involves the art of evasion, a skill that Raghavan sir honed through kalaripayattu training.

Regarding the depth of Daveed, I prefer not to draw comparisons with other action films. The Malayalam film industry has seen few sports dramas centered on boxing, unlike the Tamil film Sarpatta Parambarai. This film contains elements designed to provide viewers with an adrenaline rush, and I am optimistic that it will resonate with the audience upon its release. When I first read the script, it evoked a sense of excitement, leading me to believe it could captivate audiences in theaters.

This is your eighth year in the film industry, and it’s a phase where every actor would have zeroed in on a goal that he wants to chase. Do you have a set plan or are you still going with the flow?

My aspiration is to engage more actively in film projects. Over the past few years, I have participated in a maximum of one or two films annually. In comparison, any other actor at a similar career stage would likely have undertaken more work.

However, there is a rationale behind my limited filmography. It stems from the specific types of projects I have chosen. For example, the film "Daveed" required six months of shooting, resulting in nearly a year of my commitment to that project. Similarly, "Kondal" also demanded six months of my time. Consequently, the duration of my involvement in these films has left me with fewer opportunities to pursue additional projects.

Nonetheless, I am eager to alter this pattern. I wish to take on more film roles, as I believe that this is the primary means through which we can enhance our skills as actors. Repeating the same roles without variation hinders our ability to infuse distinct nuances into our characters.

Has the nature of the scripts that are coming your way changed?

I have been focusing primarily on action films; however, I also aspire to explore other genres such as romance and comedy, while maintaining my involvement in action. I previously attempted to branch out, but the results did not align with my expectations. Nevertheless, I remain eager to pursue these genres, as long as it does not adversely affect my producers financially. Numerous writers have approached me with diverse scripts, and I am optimistic that I will eventually succeed in tackling various genres.

Interestingly, during my college years, while creating short films, I often portrayed the role of a romantic lead. I have always been an avid fan of Thalapathy Vijay, yet I did not initially gravitate towards action films. At that time, I lacked martial arts skills and was not inclined to engage in fights. Consequently, action was never my strong suit. However, it seems that fate had different intentions for me.

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