From Jallikettu to boxing: How a first-time trainer shaped Antony Pepe into a pugilist

Angamaly Diaries and Jallikettu fame actor Antony Pepe’s spectacular physical transformation in his latest movie, Daveed, has earned him praise from the audience as well as his colleagues in the industry. Meanwhile, Suku Pillai, the fitness coach who trained Pepe to achieve this dream look, is proud, as his work is getting appreciated. It was sheer passion that inspired Suku a mechanical engineer-turned fitness coach to pursue his passion. Pepe had shed 22 kilos in 3 – 4 months for his role as a professional boxer in Daveed. Suku also trained the movie’s producer Achu Baby John, who also acted as a boxing star alongside Pepe in Daveed. The incredible physical transformations of Pepe and Achu are proof enough to understand how passionate Suku is about this profession.

Fitness is passion
Suku had worked for almost nine years as a mechanical engineer in Delhi and then in the Gulf. However, fitness had always been his passion. So, he studied fitness and nutrition courses even while working. Suku then worked as an online fitness coach in a company where he could help over one thousand clients. He mostly designed the diet and workout schedule for his clients at that company. Meanwhile, with Pepe, Suku became a personal fitness trainer for the first time. “Achu and I have been close friends since childhood, and we workout together. Meanwhile, this film came up, and Pepe needed a body transformation to essay the role. He weighed 96 kilos while he was doing RDX. He then decided to focus on fitness when he was acting in Kondal. He could focus only on diet as he was busy filming. Without any workout, Pepe’s weight dropped to 80 kilos by only following a healthy diet,” says Suku.

Proper workout plan
A proper workout plan for Pepe was ready when Kondal's filming was wrapped up. Suku, Achu and Pepe moved into a flat together on May 9. He recalls that they were able to bring significant changes in their lifestyle when they started living together. “At night, I told them to have whatever they wanted as we started the diet the next day. I clarified that there wouldn’t be a return once we started a routine. People might think that Pepe and Achu might have done extreme workouts or diet, seeing their transformation. It is true that we worked hard, but we didn’t do anything extreme. I recommended a diet based on daily calorie requirements. They worked out at the gym for an hour and practised boxing for another hour. They went for walks in the evenings whenever they got time,” notes Suku.

Suku says that most people believe that giving up food and quitting sugar, rice, or any other food item is what dieting is all about. However, Pepe and Achu never had to give up any kind of food. In fact, they enjoyed rice for lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, their meals were properly measured and were nutrient-rich. “When I measure the rice for lunch at noon, they would closely watch. They aim to stop me if I serve more rice grain to the other person. Each gram of food counts when you are on a diet. But we really enjoyed those days. Pepe was committed to his diet and workout despite his busy schedule. He never gave up halfway through. He took part in very few functions or celebrations at that time. Even then, he had a proper diet plan.

The weight loss
It is important to track your meals; meanwhile, do not hesitate to eat whatever is needed for the body. They got really busy when the shooting began. But we could follow the diet, work out, box, and practice cricket. By the time they were filming the fight scenes, Pepe had shed 22 kilos, and his weight had dropped to 74 kilos. This weight loss was essential to make his face and body look young. Achu, too, had shed around 20 kilos. His transformation is clearly shown in the film. Lots of changes happened in their bodies in just three months,” says Suku.

Suku, Pepe and Achu hope to transform their bodies far better in the future. A native of Kollam, Suku owns a gym. His wife is Karthika, and they have a son, Yuvan, who is two and a half years old. Sibi Saif, associate cinematographer of Daveed is all praise for Pepe’s commitment and passion as he used to practise boxing even during the breaks while shooting. He told Manorama Online that Pepe would never waste time and would be preparing for the next scene even after doing an intense fight or boxing scene. Sibi noted that he had observed Pepe’s commitment in diligently following the diet too. “Pepe appears in two looks, showing different ages, in the movie. The actor was able to achieve those looks physically even when those scenes were shot without long intervals. It was the result of great training and hard work,” says Sibi.