‘Eko’ Movie: A Mystery Thriller Surprise Roaring at the Box Office

New Delhi, November 29, 2025: The Malayalam mystery thriller, ‘Eko,’ has emerged as a compelling success story at the box office, proving that fresh content and strong execution can triumph over sheer star power. Released on November 21, 2025, the film has captivated audiences with its unique storyline, tight screenplay, and impressive performances, setting itself up as a major winner.

Box Office Dominance and Critical Acclaim

‘Eko,’ directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written-cinematographed by Bahul Ramesh, quickly found its footing. After a decent opening day collection, the film saw massive jumps over its first weekend, driven largely by positive word-of-mouth.

As of its second Friday (Day 8), the movie has reportedly collected a solid ₹13.1 crore (approx.) net in India. This consistent performance has seen the film comfortably outperform its competitor, the highly-anticipated ‘Vilayath Buddha,’ in their box office clash. This success solidifies the belief that in Mollywood, a well-made film will always find its audience. The film’s strength is further shown by its increasing screen count, with the movie expanding its presence to more theatres in Kerala and overseas for its second week.

🎭 A Breakthrough for Sandeep Pradeep and Ensemble Cast

A major highlight of ‘Eko’ is the stellar performance by lead actor Sandeep Pradeep as Peeyoos, the caretaker. The actor, who has been gaining recognition through previous projects, has been widely lauded for his intense screen presence and portrayal, establishing him as a versatile talent to watch out for.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, including veteran actors Vineeth, Ashokan, and Binu Pappu, alongside Narain Kumar and international actors like Biana Momin (as Mlaathi Chedathi) and Sim Zhi Fei. The complex character dynamics, especially those involving the mysterious Kuriachan (played by Saurabh Sachdeva), have kept viewers hooked, with the ending sparking widespread discussions and interpretations.

The Final Chapter of the ‘Animal Trilogy’

‘Eko’ is a crucial project as it marks the third and final installment of writer-cinematographer Bahul Ramesh’s standalone ‘Animal Trilogy.’ The trilogy, which includes the film Kishkindha Kaandam and the web series Kerala Crime Files: Season 2, is united by a central theme: exploring human conflicts and moral ambiguities in narratives where animals play a vital, often stimulating, role.

Set in the misty hills of Kaattukunnu, near the Kerala-Karnataka border, the plot centers on the sudden disappearance of Kuriachan, a famous dog breeder with a dark past. His absence draws various people—from revenge-seekers to former associates—to his remote estate, where they encounter his elderly wife, Mlaathi Chedathi, and her fiercely trained Malaysian dogs. The film weaves together multiple timelines and locations, creating a complex and richly textured mystery that demands the audience’s full attention.

🎥 Technical Brilliance and Filmmaker’s Vision

Director Dinjith Ayyathan and writer/cinematographer Bahul Ramesh, who previously collaborated on the hit Kishkindha Kaandam, have been praised for crafting a solid mystery thriller. The film’s technical aspects, including Bahul Ramesh’s cinematography, which captures both the raw landscape and the intensity of the characters, and Mujeeb Majeed’s unsettling background score, have elevated the cinematic experience, giving the film an international feel.

In a competitive market, ‘Eko’s’ success underscores the growing appetite for content-driven Malayalam cinema, cementing the director-writer duo as a formidable force for unique storytelling.