Eko (2025) — A Deep Dive into the Malayalam Mystery Thriller

Malayalam cinema has long been celebrated for its intelligent storytelling and atmospheric filmmaking. In 2025, Eko emerged as one of the year’s most talked-about films — not for big stars or big budgets, but because of its layered narrative and immersive mystery. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, Eko blends psychological tension, human emotion, and the relentless power of nature in a haunting hill-station setting.

Gist of the Story

Eko unfolds in the misty, remote region of Kattukunnu, where various characters gather with a singular goal: to find Kuriachan, a once-feared dog breeder who has been missing for years.

The narrative centres on:

• Mlaathi Chedathi, an aging Malaysian woman tied to Kuriachan by marriage and memories,
• Peeyoos, a loyal young caretaker, and
• A host of visitors — friends, foes, law enforcement and bounty seekers — all trying to uncover Kuriachan’s fate.

As secrets emerge, Eko reveals itself not merely as a quest to find a missing man, but as an exploration of loyalty, survival, fear, vengeance, and the thin line between protection and domination.

 Inner Meaning & Themes

Unlike typical thrillers, Eko demands patience and active engagement. At its core, the film is a psychological mystery that probes deeper questions about:

• The nature of freedom vs. captivity: Characters don’t just search for Kuriachan—they confront what it means to be bound by fear, memories, and choices.
• Human relationships and who controls them: The dogs in the film aren’t just guard animals; they reflect the bond, distrust, and instinctive responses of people who have been shaped by Kuriachan’s decisions.
• The burden of the past: Mlaathi and Peeyoos embody the emotional toll of loyalty and abandonment, forcing the audience to ponder how much of ourselves we carry forward and how much we bury.

Many viewers feel the movie rewards multiple viewings—it’s a slow burn that gradually reveals connections between characters, clues, and motivations, much like peeling layers off an onion.

Cast & Characters

Eko features a mix of seasoned and emerging talent who bring subtle power to a complex story:

• Sandeep Pradeep – Peeyoos (the faithful caretaker)
• Biana W Momin – Mlaathi Chedathi (the elder with a haunted past)
• Vineeth, Narain, Ashokan, Binu Pappu – supporting players adding depth to the narrative
• Saurabh Sachdeva – Kuriachan (the elusive figure at the center of the mystery)

The casting is deliberate and grounded, focusing on performances that evoke atmosphere rather than glamour. While some critics noted the challenge of non-native Malayalam actors in key roles, many fans appreciated how this added to the film’s mysterious and layered ambiance.

 Ratings & Reception

 IMDb Rating

Eko holds a strong 8.0/10 on IMDb, based on over 104,000 ratings — an indicator of audience appreciation and engagement with its nuanced storytelling.

Rotten Tomatoes

On Rotten Tomatoes, Eko has a more modest presence with limited critic reviews, but the audience feedback reflects strong engagement — even if critics are fewer.

Critics and reviewers have offered varied reactions:

• Some praise the haunting atmosphere and bold narrative choices, calling it a “riveting mystery thriller.”
• Others feel the film’s slow pace and unresolved questions keep it from being emotionally accessible to all viewers.

Overall, Eko is often appreciated for prioritizing script and mood over formulaic storytelling — a trend hailed by commentators as a meaningful shift in contemporary Indian cinema.

Why Eko Is Worth Watching

Eko isn’t a typical commercial entertainer—it’s a thematic thriller that asks you to think, reflect, and interpret. Its strengths include:

• Layered storytelling that slowly unravels tension
• Strong performances, especially from Sandeep Pradeep and Biana Momin
• Atmospheric visuals and sound design that enhance the mystery
• An ambiguous but satisfying climax that leaves room for discussion

If you enjoy films that treat mystery as an intellectual puzzle and characters as emotional landscapes, Eko delivers a rich cinematic experience — one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Final Verdict

Eko is an excellent example of Malayalam cinema pushing boundaries in genre filmmaking. Its blend of mystery, character study, and thematic depth makes it a standout thriller of 2025 — one that resonates with thoughtful viewers and fans of slow-burn narratives alike.