“In the silent forests of Kerala, every secret has a heartbeat.”
Eko (2025) is a Malayalam mystery thriller that doesn’t rush to impress — it pulls you in slowly and refuses to let go. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, the film is set in the fog-covered hills of Kaattukunnu, Kerala, where silence speaks louder than words.
The story revolves around Kuriachan, a dog breeder who has been missing for five years. What starts as a search soon turns into a psychological maze of memories, guilt, and buried truths. Eko is the final chapter of Bahul Ramesh’s “Animal Trilogy”, following Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) and Kerala Crime Files Season 2 (2025) — and it closes the trilogy on a hauntingly powerful note.
🎭 Cast, Craft & Atmosphere
Sandeep Pradeep delivers what many are calling his career-best performance, supported strongly by Narain, Saurabh Sachdeva (as Kuriachan), Biana Momin, Vineeth, Ashokan, and Binu Pappu. Despite a modest budget of ₹5 crore, the film looks rich in mood and detail.
Shot extensively in Idukki between April and June 2025, the cinematography feels raw and intimate. The presence of dogs as a thematic element adds an emotional depth rarely seen in thrillers. Mujeeb Majeed’s background score quietly builds tension, while Sooraj ES’s editing keeps the slow burn engaging throughout its 125-minute runtime.
⭐ Reception: Why Everyone Is Talking About Eko
Critics and audiences praised Eko for its layered storytelling, atmospheric tension, and bold storytelling choices. Social media buzz went as far as calling it a “masterpiece” and “Oscar-worthy”. Viewers loved how the film avoids clichés and trusts the audience to connect the dots.
💰 Box Office & OTT Release Update
Eko turned into a massive box office success, collecting over ₹50 crore worldwide, outperforming several big-star releases.
For OTT fans, Netflix made an interesting move:
Malayalam original (with English subtitles): December 31, 2025
Dubbed versions (Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada): January 7, 2026
While some fans were disappointed by the delay, early viewers are praising the film’s final twist and eerie forest secrets, making it a perfect New Year watch.
Eko proves that quiet films can make loud impact. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with soul, mystery, and meaning — this one deserves your time.
