Malayalam cinema's mystery thriller "Eko," directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, premiered on November 21, 2025, and swiftly captured audiences' attention, with social media erupting in praise for its masterful blend of suspense, drama, and atmospheric tension. Released as the final installment of Ayyathan's Animal Trilogy—following the acclaimed "Kishkindha Kaandam" (2024) and "Kerala Crime Files: Season 2"—the film unfolds across multiple timelines in the misty hills of Kaattukunnu, where an elderly woman and her caretaker, Mlaathi Chedathi and Peeyoos, grapple with haunting echoes of the past.

As they navigate revelations tied to the fugitive dog breeder Kuriyachan, strangers descend upon the remote mountains, unraveling a web of secrets that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. Starring Sandeep Pradeep in a pivotal role alongside Biana Momin, Sim Zhi Fei, Vineeth, Ranjith Shekhar, and Saheer Muhammed, "Eko" showcases the director-writer duo's signature style of layered narratives and precise detailing, building on their previous collaboration's success that earned critical acclaim for its investigative intrigue.

Early Twitter reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, positioning "Eko" as a frontrunner for one of 2025's best Malayalam films and a "masterpiece" in genre filmmaking. Viewers lauded the film's technical prowess, with one user declaring it a "masterclass in filmmaking," highlighting Dinjith's gripping direction, Bahul's razor-sharp writing, and stunning visuals that elevate every frame. Sandeep Pradeep's performance drew particular acclaim, described as his "career-best" and an "absolute star" that anchors the mind-bending journey, while Mujeeb Majeed's haunting score was called "atmospheric perfection" for amplifying the eerie, immersive experience.

Comments flooded platforms like X, with phrases like "banger incoming" and "must-watch item" reflecting the excitement, as fans appreciated the crisp runtime, engaging screenplay, and an impactful climax that unleashes twists despite occasional predictability. The film's unique premise—a futuristic tale rooted in rural mysticism—resonates deeply, offering a fresh world of sharp characters and relentless mystery that grips from the opening sequence.

The enthusiasm underscores the duo's track record, as "Kishkindha Kaandam" similarly wowed critics in 2024 with its slow-burn procedural drama, establishing Ayyathan and Ramesh as a powerhouse team in Malayalam's thriller landscape. "Eko" expands this legacy by weaving folklore-inspired elements with modern investigative threads, spanning locations from fog-shrouded hills to urban pursuits, all captured through Bahul's dual role as cinematographer for visually magnificent results.

Sound design, editing, and production values were singled out for peaking in excellence, creating a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and expansive. One reviewer noted the "nala adipoli visuals" (superb visuals) and "crisp writing," evoking the unyielding pull of the trilogy's earlier entries while delivering a standalone thrill. As streaming platforms and theaters report strong initial turnout, the film's reception signals a continued renaissance in Malayalam cinema, where innovative storytelling challenges Bollywood's dominance and garners pan-Indian appeal.

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With "Eko" already trending nationwide, its release coincides with a vibrant year for regional thrillers, reminding audiences of Malayalam's knack for blending cultural depth with universal suspense. Dinjith Ayyathan's evolution from web series to feature films, coupled with Bahul Ramesh's multifaceted contributions, promises more boundary-pushing works ahead. For cinephiles, the film's layered chronicles of "Kuriachan"—the enigmatic fugitive at its core—offer not just entertainment but a profound exploration of memory, pursuit, and human shadows. As one viewer aptly put it, it's a "deeply layered" saga worth every minute, cementing "Eko" as an essential watch that could redefine the genre's benchmarks in Indian Cinema.

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