The Malayalam film industry continues its remarkable streak of producing exceptional thrillers with ‘Eko,’ now available for streaming on Netflix following its November theatrical release. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh—the creative duo behind the acclaimed 2024 film ‘Kishkinda Kandam’—this atmospheric thriller demonstrates Kerala’s unparalleled mastery of layered storytelling.
Set against the misty mountains of Kerala, the narrative centers around the enigmatic dog breeder Kuriachan (Saurabh Sachdeva of ‘Animal’ fame), a shadowy figure who has accumulated numerous enemies through questionable business dealings and legal entanglements. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives as various parties—including law enforcement officers, former associates, and personal connections—seek answers about his mysterious Malaysian wife, Mlathy Chetathi (Biana Momin), who resides in isolation surrounded by fierce guard dogs and rumors of practicing black magic.
The film distinguishes itself through its sophisticated visual language, with evocative cinematography capturing both the haunting landscape and the secrets permeating the atmosphere. Mujeeb Majeed’s powerful score enhances the tension throughout, particularly during the meticulously staged climax that delivers a satisfying payoff for attentive viewers.
While the narrative demands complete audience engagement to navigate its complex character motivations and occasionally convoluted plotlines, the investment proves worthwhile. The film explores themes of control, ownership, and patriarchy through the unconventional lens of human-animal relationships, challenging viewers to reconsider conventional notions of protection and restriction.
Performance highlights include Sandeep Pradeep’s chameleonic portrayal of caretaker Peeyoos and Biana Momin’s compelling depiction of Mlathy, whose grace and resilience leave a lasting impression. Though Sachdeva’s portrayal of the central character occasionally feels mismatched for the role of a Malayali alpha male, the overall ensemble delivers strong performances that maintain narrative tension throughout this unconventional cat-and-mouse thriller.