Netflix’s Malayalam film ‘Eko’ is a taut thriller set deep within a dense forest. With a mysterious disappearance at its core, it weaves a tale of crime, Malaysian guard dogs, and hidden motives. This low-budget experiment relies on atmospheric locations and suspense. Does it deliver a gripping watch? Our ‘Eko’ movie review delves into the plot, performances, and final verdict.
Eko Movie Review!
Malayalam filmmakers have mastered the art of presenting thrillers with great finesse. They are especially adept at unraveling intriguing stories against a forest backdrop. ‘Eko’ is another film that proves this point. Produced by Jayaram – Vipin Agnishotri, the film is directed by Dinjith Ayyathan. Let’s explore the story of this mystery thriller.
Plot: The story unfolds in a dense forest region. The narrative touches upon the forest area connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Kuriachen (Saurabh Sachdev) owns a 150-acre estate here. A nature lover, he guards his estate zealously. Having worked in Malaysia for some time, he observes the efficiency of a specific dog breed there and decides to raise them on his estate.
Thanks to Kuriachen’s training, no one can set foot on the estate without him. However, Kuriachen disappears without a trace for several years, with rumors suggesting a criminal case is the reason. His wife, Milaathiya (Biana Momin), lives on a hill within the estate, awaiting her husband’s return. Her children appoint Pious (Sandeep Pradeep) to look after her well-being.
To find out about Kuriachen, his friend Mohan Pothan (Vineeth) arrives at the forest. Unexpectedly, he becomes a victim of murder. Later, a Navy officer (Narain) also comes to investigate Kuriachen. What situations does he face? What happened to Kuriachen? Who is looking for him and why? What is Pious’s background? This forms the rest of the story.
Analysis: A forest may appear beautiful, but its true nature is revealed only when one is trapped within. This is a story crafted against such a dense forest backdrop. Kuriachen’s character does not appear on screen for a long time. The story revolves around those searching for him. The curiosity about who he is and what happened to him keeps the audience engaged.
Typically, forests in films are shown with tigers, lions, and other wild animals. But in this story, packs of Malaysian dogs make an appearance. The story woven around the background of these Malaysian dogs also connects well. When the director lightly introduces Kuriachen’s interest in dog breeding, the audience also takes it lightly. Later, the growing importance of the dogs in the plot builds tension for the viewers.
Who exactly is Kuriachen? How did he meet Milaathiya? What is the connection between the Malaysian dogs and this estate? What is the intention of Pious, who arrives to care for Kuriachen’s wife? What is happening in that forest? The way the story is steered through these angles feels interesting.
Execution: Many films have been made with a forest backdrop in the past. This film doesn’t present narrative elements vastly different from those. However, the treatment feels fresh. The Malaysian backdrop and the specific breed of dogs lend a distinct quality to the story.
Typically, in any film, music and photography add strength to the narrative. In this film, however, the locations dominate the other aspects. Even though the narrative progresses at a slightly slow pace, viewers are captivated by the locations, forgetting other elements. However, during the forest scenes with the dogs, one is reminded of the old TV serial ‘Rahasya’.
Performance: All the actors have performed very well. Bahul Ramesh’s cinematography is good. The way the beautiful locations are showcased is impressive, making viewers want to visit them. Mujeeb Majeed’s background music also provides the necessary strength to the story. Suraj’s editing is also good.
Verdict: Story-wise, it is fairly conventional. It moves slowly in parts. However, the forest, the hill, the village beside it, the lifestyle there, and the attempts by a few to unravel the secrets add more thrill to the story, it must be said. In a nutshell, this is a low-budget experiment with a limited cast. Watching this film feels like reading a storybook filled with beautiful pictures.
Important FAQs: Eko Movie Review
1. Is the ‘Eko’ movie based on a true story?
No, ‘Eko’ is a fictional mystery thriller. However, it uses realistic elements like the forest setting and the use of trained guard dogs to create an authentic atmosphere.
2. Where was the ‘Eko’ movie filmed?
The film was shot in the dense forest regions connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which contribute significantly to its atmospheric visuals.
3. Who is the director of the ‘Eko’ Netflix film?
‘Eko’ is directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and produced by Jayaram and Vipin Agnishotri under Aaradyaa Studio.
4. What is the role of the dogs in the ‘Eko’ movie plot?
The Malaysian guard dogs are central to the plot. They are trained to protect the estate and become a key element of the mystery and tension in the film.
5. What is the runtime and rating of ‘Eko’?
The review mentions a rating of 3/5. For the exact runtime, viewers should check the Netflix platform directly, as it is not specified in the source material.
Disclaimer for the Article on Eko Movie Review
This review is based on the author subjective analysis and interpretation of the film ‘Eko’. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. Movie details (cast, crew, release date) are provided as per available information. Readers are encouraged to watch the film on Netflix to form their own opinion.
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