The Malayalam film industry continues to garner attention for its innovative storytelling, and , critics are highlighting Dinjith Ayyathan’s ‘Eko’ as a prime example. The film, a suspenseful mystery centered around a missing man, is being praised for its intelligent script and beautiful filmmaking, even as some note its emotional distance.
‘Eko’ marks the reunion of Ayyathan and writer Bahul Ramesh, the duo behind the critically acclaimed ‘Kishkindha Kaandam.’ Where ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ began with a missing gun, ‘Eko’ pivots around a missing person, prompting a search that leads to a secluded estate in the Kaattukunnu hills and the home of Kuriachan (Saurabh Sachdeva). The search party, comprised of former friends and plainclothes police, encounters Kuriachan’s wife, Mlaathi Chettathi (Biana Momin), and a caretaker named Peeyos (Sandeep Pradeep), but Kuriachan remains elusive. Instead, they are met by his highly trained dogs, which seem to actively prevent access to the property.
The film’s subtext, according to reviews, revolves around these dogs and the question of control. Are they protectors, or are they instruments of imprisonment? This thematic exploration echoes a similar dynamic in ‘Kishkindha Kaandam,’ which used monkeys to drive its underlying message. The film even presents the question of the dogs’ own agency – are they pets, or prisoners themselves, with one dog initially seen caged and later chained.
‘Eko’ distinguishes itself by eschewing star power in favor of a strong ensemble cast. Sandeep Pradeep, described as a “promising young actor,” plays a significant role. The film’s narrative is deliberately layered and unfolds at a measured pace, taking its time to reveal its complexities. This approach, while potentially challenging for some viewers, is characteristic of the new wave of Malayalam cinema that has been gaining national and international recognition.
The setting itself – the misty hills of Kaattukunnu – is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the story. Understanding the landscape and its cultural significance is presented as crucial to fully appreciating the film. The narrative deliberately avoids easy answers, defying expectations and prompting viewers to contemplate the film’s meaning long after the credits roll.
According to IMDb, the film stars Sandeep Pradeep, Biana Momin, and Saurabh Sachdeva, and is directed by Dinjith Ayyathan with a script by Bahul Ramesh. The film currently holds a rating of 7.8/10 on IMDb, based on 8.1K ratings. The film runs for .
Biana Momin, Kuriachan’s wife in the film, recently discussed her experience with acting in a Facebook interview on . She mentioned that she began acting at the age of seventy, encouraged by her daughter.
‘Eko’ represents a continuation of the trend in Malayalam cinema towards experimentation and nuanced storytelling. It’s a film that doesn’t offer easy resolutions, instead inviting audiences to engage with its ambiguities and explore its thematic depths. The film’s success, even if it remains “emotionally aloof” as some critics suggest, underscores the growing appetite for intelligent and challenging cinema from India.
The film’s exploration of control, loyalty, and freedom, embodied in the symbolism of the dogs, adds another layer of complexity. The question of whether these animals are protectors or jailers mirrors the broader themes of the film, leaving audiences to ponder the motivations and secrets of those involved in the search for the missing man.
