Movie Name : Eko
Streaming Date : Jan 02, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Sandeep Pradeep, Saurabh Sachdeva, Vineeth, Biana Momin, Narain, Binu Pappu, Ashokan and others
Director : Dinjith Ayyathan
Producer : MRK Jhayaram
Music Director : Mujeeb Majeed
Cinematographer : Bahul Ramesh
Editor : Sooraj E S
Related Links : Trailer
After completing its theatrical run, the Malayalam atmospheric mystery thriller Eko premiered on Netflix on the last day of 2025. Here’s our review of the film.
Story:
Set in the remote forest region of Kaattukunnu, Kerala, the film follows Mlaathi (Biana Momin), also known as Soyi, a woman from Malaysia living in isolation. She is looked after by Peeyoos (Sandeep Pradeep), appointed by her sons, along with a group of loyal Malaysian-breed dogs. Several people search for her husband Kuriachan (Saurabh Sachdeva), a dog breeder who has been missing for years after being implicated in a criminal case. His friend Mohan Pothan (Vineeth) is among those trying to trace him. Though many believe Kuriachan is hiding somewhere in the dense forest with the help of his trained dogs, his whereabouts remain unknown. Why so many people are searching for him, what role Peeyoos and the dogs truly play, and how a woman from Malaysia ended up living quietly in Kerala form the core mysteries of the film.
Plus Points:
Eko is a strong example of how a mystery thriller can be driven through atmosphere. Writer Bahul Ramesh and director Dinjith Ayyathan smartly build intrigue using elements such as the forest, the isolated house, dogs, and the calm yet unsettling mood surrounding the narrative.
Though the story outline appears simple on the surface, its strength lies in the creative non-linear narration and screenplay. The film moves at a slow pace and qualifies as a slow burn, but it consistently keeps the viewer curious about what might unfold next.
The suspense is well maintained throughout, which stands out as one of the film’s biggest strengths. Portions connected to Malaysia, which hint at Kuriachan and Soyi’s past, along with the climax that gradually reveals multiple layers, are handled effectively. The background score plays an important role in building a tense and immersive atmosphere.
In terms of performances, Sandeep Pradeep, presented as an underdog character, delivers a neat and controlled performance. Biana Momin, despite limited dialogue, expresses emotions effectively through her body language and expressions. Vineeth fits well into his role, while Narain, as the investigating officer, is convincing. The rest of the cast deliver passable performances.
Minus Points:
The film follows a non-linear narrative and presents events through multiple perspectives, which may confuse some viewers initially. With several subplots unfolding in parallel, the pacing feels slow at times, and the layered storytelling demands patience to fully connect the dots.
The story also deliberately leaves many questions unanswered. There is no direct or objective proof of Kuriachan’s existence, as his presence is conveyed only through different narrators. As a result, some viewers may remain unsure whether he is actually alive, since he never appears after disappearing into the dense forest. The climax, too, avoids offering straightforward explanations and instead leaves room for interpretation, which may not work for audiences who prefer clear resolutions.
Technical Aspects:
The writing by Bahul Ramesh stands out as one of the film’s strongest aspects, with suspense maintained largely through atmosphere and narrative design. Director Dinjith Ayyathan complements this with restrained and controlled execution.
Bahul Ramesh, who also handles the cinematography, makes effective visual choices and clearly understands what to show and how to present it. His camerawork significantly strengthens the mood of the film. Mujeeb Majeed’s background score further enhances the tension and helps immerse the audience in this slow-burn mystery. The production values are decent and suit the film’s grounded tone.
Verdict:
On the whole, Eko is an engaging mystery thriller that manages to hold attention despite its slow-burn nature. The performances are effective, and the biggest strength of the film lies in its writing and execution. While the non-linear narration and open-ended treatment may confuse some viewers, the film rewards patience by gradually revealing its layers. This is one of the more interesting titles to arrive on OTT recently and is worth a watch for audiences who enjoy mystery thrillers.
123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team