Eko, starring Sandeep Pradeep in the lead role and directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, was released in theaters on November 21, 2025. After the success of Kishkindha Kaandam, the film’s script written by cinematographer Bahlul Ramesh dives into the depths of another entertaining thriller.
If you are planning to watch it in theaters this week, here is the Pinkvilla review for you.
plot
Eko is the story of an elderly woman, Mlathi Chedathi, who lives in a secluded, hilly area of Kattukunnu, near the Kerala-Karnataka border. With her children away, her only human company is her caregiver, Pios.
Mlaathi is one of the many wives of notorious dog breeder Kuriachan, who is being hunted by both the state and the terrorist group. While he lives underground, his wife and caretaker discover hidden truths about him, leading to a story filled with mystery and tension.
Even in his absence, each character develops into a far more suspicious person, and each of them becomes suspicious of the other’s true intentions.
Good
Eko establishes a strong foundation, especially in the first half. The subtle theme presents a deep mystery that grows from moment to moment.
While the writing is beautifully crafted with brilliant descriptions, Eko comes across as a thrilling story that constantly builds tension and drama to intense heights. Additionally, the characters are dynamic and unpredictable, leaving the audience constantly questioning whose side they should be on.
Additionally, the makers of Kishkindha Kaandam once again use the metaphor of animals, drawing parallels with the central characters, making the cinematic journey even more engaging and entertaining.
Along with Mujeeb Majeed’s impressive music track and background score, the film also benefits from breathtaking visuals crafted by writer-cinematographer Bahlul Ramesh. The non-linear narrative works effectively thanks to Suraj ES’s sharp editing.
bad
While most aspects of Eko are beautifully executed, the slow story feels dull. The deliberately measured pace used to establish the first half of the main story feels unexpectedly long, making it hard for the film to immediately connect with the audience, even though the build-up of cause and effect is crucial to understanding the plot.
Display
Sandeep Pradeep plays the role of Pyoos, which is his next cinematic outing after the hilarious venture Padakkalam. Already showcasing her talent for handling humor and action with this body-swap fantasy comedy, Ako has elevated her craft even further.
With subtle reactions and intense moments expertly executed, Sandeep intends to prove that he just might be the next star that Malayalam cinema has been waiting for.
Bianca Momin and Sim Zi Fei give excellent performances, while veteran Vineet plays his role with utmost grace and conviction. Additionally, Animal actor Saurabh Sachdeva has been suitably utilized in the film, who is in top form.
Watch the trailer of Eko
Decision
While Eko is a slow-paced mystery thriller that takes time to take shape and may not appeal to every kind of audience, it offers an interesting, introspective experience, prompting the audience to question what the truth really is. Still, the film is brilliant in its intention and concept, making it a must-watch, perhaps even better than Kishkindha Kaandam.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. Any statements made in this article are not intended to defame, harm, or discredit any person or entity.
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