EKO Movie Review: When Eko̅ hit theaters on 21 November 2025, it marked the highly anticipated conclusion of writer-cinematographer Bahul Ramesh’s Animal Trilogy – following the successes of Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) and Kerala Crime Files 2 (2025). Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, this Malayalam mystery thriller both honors the tone of its predecessors and ventures into bold, meditative territory.
Plot and Setting: Mysteries in the Misty Hills
The story unfolds in the eerie hills of Kaattukunnu, a place steeped in myth, longing, and shadowy secrets. We meet two key characters:
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Peeyoos (played by Sandeep Pradeep), a quiet but determined man living a secluded life in the hills.
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Mlaathi Chedathi, a Malaysian woman whose past is deeply entwined with this remote region.
Their peaceful existence is unsettled by the looming presence of Kuriachan, a mysterious and powerful figure – part businessman, part outlaw – whose influence seems to stretch far beyond his public persona.
As the story unspools, the film navigates multiple timelines and locations, weaving together family histories, long-buried truths, and a curious connection to a rare breed of Malaysian dogs. Rumors about these dogs and their origin play a haunting role in the plot, blurring the lines between folklore and reality.
Themes and Style: EKO Movie Review
At its heart, Eko̅ is more than just a thriller – it’s a slow-burn meditation on memory, identity, and power. Critics note how the film treats the landscape almost like a character itself: the misty hills of Kaattukunnu feel alive, listening, and watching. Bahul Ramesh’s writing is layered and deliberate, letting the audience uncover truths at the same pace as the characters.
Time, in Eko̅, is not linear: flashbacks, overlapping stories, and shifting perspectives all contribute to a rich tapestry of mystery. Much like the animals at the center of the trilogy’s metaphor, human behavior here seems driven by instinct, survival, and instinctual loyalty.
Performances and Technical Excellence:
Sandeep Pradeep anchors the film with a subdued yet powerful portrayal of Peeyoos. Reviewers and social media users have called it his career-best performance. The rest of the cast – including Vineeth, Narain, Binu Pappu, Biana Momin, and Ashokan – deliver solid and convincing performances that complement the film’s moody atmosphere.
Technically, the movie shines. Cinematographer Bahul Ramesh himself captures Kaattukunnu with a patient, poetic eye, turning shadows, mist, and forest into a visual poem. The haunting score by Mujeeb Majeed amplifies the film’s tension – its atmospheric layers twine seamlessly with the narrative. Editing by Sooraj E. S. gives the movie a deliberate tempo, neither rushing nor dragging, which suits the mystery perfectly.
Reception: Praise, Criticism, and Box Office
On social media, Eko̅ has earned glowing praise. One viewer tweeted:
“#EKO is literally a masterpiece … Sandeep Pradeep’s intense, career-best performance … Bahul Ramesh & Dinjith Ayyathan deliver a peak-level murder mystery.”
Many more highlighted its technical brilliance – visuals, sound design, and world-building.
Reddit threads echo this sentiment:
“Solid film … the terrain adds a different vibe … slow-burn, mystery-driven, … the dog factor works beautifully …”
“The script writing is chef’s kiss. The score just blends into the feel of the movie. … The onion-peel storytelling … is the beauty of it.”
Several critics, however, have a more mixed view. In a review for New Indian Express, the film was rated 2 out of 5, calling Eko̅ “a forest tale that fails to resonate.” According to this critique, the emotional core felt weak, making it hard for the audience to fully connect with the characters.
Eko is phenomenal! What a movie, and the writing is brilliant. The plot twist is absolutely fire! 🔥 One name: Bahul Ramesh. This movie demands multiple watches. A must-see Mollywood flick! #EkoMovie pic.twitter.com/umipx8wdxy
— 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐕𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐕 (@its_renjith) November 21, 2025
Box Office and Commercial Performance:
Eko̅ opened modestly at the box office with ₹ 85 lakh on its first day. Despite stiff competition (it released on the same day as Vilayath Buddha), audience reaction was stronger in evening and night shows.
As for streaming, there’s no confirmed OTT platform or release date yet – speculation suggests it could arrive by late December or early January 2026.
Where Eko̅ Fits in the “Animal Trilogy”
This film doesn’t just close a chapter – it completes a thematic journey. Eko̅ is labelled as the “final chapter” of the Animal Trilogy. Rather than repeating the stories, the trilogy uses animal metaphors (monkeys, dogs, etc.) to explore the primal instincts and morality that govern human behavior.
In Kishkindha Kaandam, the focus was on monkeys; in Kerala Crime Files 2, it shifted to dogs; and now, in Eko̅, a rare Malaysian dog breed becomes a cryptic symbol – hinting at themes of dominance, loyalty, and survival. The narrative’s link to nature and the wild undercurrent of human complexity make this final installment feel both expansive and deeply personal.
Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths:
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Atmospheric Cinematography: The hills of Kaattukunnu feel alive and haunting.
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Layered Script: Bahul Ramesh’s writing builds mystery patiently, peeling back secrets in a way that rewards attentive viewers.
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Standout Performance: Sandeep Pradeep anchors the film with tremendous emotional depth.
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Sound and Score: Mujeeb Majeed’s music heightens the tension beautifully.
Weaknesses:
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Slow Pace: For some viewers, the deliberate pacing becomes a drawback, making the story feel meandering.
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Emotional Disconnect: Critics argue that despite its mysteries, the film lacks a strong emotional core, making it harder to fully engage.
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Predictability: A few have noted that some narrative turns feel familiar or expected, which undercuts the mystery for them.
Is Eko̅ Worth Watching?
If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers driven by atmosphere, layered storytelling, and rich symbolism, Eko̅ offers a deeply satisfying cinematic experience. While it may not grab you immediately with action, its power lies in its sense of place, mythic quality, and emotional mystery. For fans of the “Animal Trilogy,” this movie feels like a fitting, if contemplative, finale.
However, if you prefer tight, fast-paced narratives or emotionally explosive drama, Eko̅ might feel too restrained, even cryptic. The payoff is there – for those willing to lean in, listen, and piece together the clues.
In short: Eko̅ is not just a film – it’s a journey through memory, nature, and legend. And in its quiet, lingering moments, it whispers its truths.
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