In Conversation with Mo Ismail on His Role as Sainul Akhmadov and the Brutal Realism of ‘DAVEED’
When it comes to action cinema, few actors bring the level of authenticity and raw intensity that Mo Ismail does. A seasoned combat sports athlete, actor, and producer, Ismail has made waves in the international film industry, and his latest role in the Malayalam blockbuster “DAVEED” is setting a new standard for realistic fight sequences in cinema.
We sat down with the powerhouse himself to talk about his role as Sainul Akhmadov, the challenges of filming real combat sequences, and why “DAVEED” is a game-changer for sports dramas.
“Mo, ‘DAVEED’ has been receiving massive praise for its realism. What made this project so special for you?”
Mo Ismail:
“From the moment I read the script, I knew this wasn’t just another action film. ‘DAVEED’ is a deep, uncompromising look at the brutal world of boxing. It’s not about flashy punches or choreographed fights—it’s about survival, pain, and the mindset of warriors. That’s what drew me in. I wanted to bring something raw and unfiltered to the screen.”
“You play Sainul Akhmadov, the film’s antagonist. What makes him such a unique and fearsome opponent?”
Mo Ismail:
“Sainul isn’t just a villain—he’s a force of nature. He’s disciplined, methodical, and ruthless. He doesn’t fight for money or fame; he fights because it’s in his blood. The challenge was making him more than just a one-dimensional bad guy. I wanted the audience to respect him, to understand his mindset, and to feel his presence every time he steps into the ring.”
“The fight scenes in ‘DAVEED’ have been called some of the most realistic in Indian cinema. How did you approach them?”
Mo Ismail:
“We threw out traditional fight choreography. No exaggerated movements, no over-the-top stunts. Every fight in ‘DAVEED’ is raw. I told the director, ‘If we’re doing this, we’re doing it for real.’ That meant taking real hits, real fatigue, and real intensity. There were moments where I could barely stand, but that’s what boxing is—it’s war in a ring.”
“How did your real-life boxing experience influence your performance?”
Mo Ismail:
“It made all the difference. I’ve spent years training in boxing, MMA, and combat sports. I know what it’s like to get punched in the face, to push through exhaustion, and to fight with nothing left in the tank. That experience helped me bring authenticity to Sainul. The audience can tell when a fight is real, and we wanted to make sure every second of it felt raw and unpolished.”
“‘DAVEED’ is dominating the box office. What does this success mean to you?”
Mo Ismail:
“It’s incredible. To see audiences react so strongly to a film that we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into—it’s humbling. More than the numbers, it’s the impact that excites me. ‘DAVEED’ is changing the way action films are made, especially in India. We’re proving that you don’t need CGI or exaggerated choreography—real combat, real emotion, and real storytelling hit much harder.”
“What’s next for you? Can we expect to see you in more action films?”
Mo Ismail:
“Absolutely. This is just the beginning. I’m working on multiple projects that push the boundaries of action cinema. I don’t want to do generic fight scenes—I want to create experiences that immerse the audience. Whether it’s in Mollywood, The Middle East, or Hollywood, I want to keep bringing real, visceral action to the screen.”
Final Thoughts
Mo Ismail’s performance in ‘DAVEED’ is more than just acting—it’s an embodiment of raw physicality, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of realism in action cinema. As he continues to carve his path in the industry, one thing is clear: he’s not here to play games—he’s here to change the game.
For more updates on Mo Ismail and his upcoming projects, stay tuned to Desert Eagle Films.
Mo Ismail is the future of action movies