Eko Review in ONE WORD: Eko Redefines the Malayalam Mystery Thriller — A Must-Watch Cinematic Brilliance You Should Never Miss. 

A Review by Arunjyothi R 

LANGUAGE: MALAYALAM

DURATION: 125 Minutes 

DIRECTOR:  Dinjith Ayyathan

GENRE: Mystery Thriller 

•POSITIVES:

1: Direction 

2: Story 

3: Screenplay & Dialogues 

4: Performance of actors 

5: Cinematography 

6: Sound Design 

7: Background Score

8: Editing 

9: Locations 

10: Mystery Mood 

•NEGATIVES:

1: Nothing to mention

STORY: 

Set in the remote wilderness of Kaattukunnu — a lonely mountain stretch veiled in fog along the Kerala–Karnataka border — Eko slowly pulls you into its unsettling world. At the centre of this eerie tale is an ageing woman known locally as “Mlaathi Chedathi” (Bianna Momin), and her loyal companion Peeyos (Sandeep Pradeep). The two spend their days cut off from civilisation, surrounded only by restless winds and whispering forests.

But peace rarely lasts in these hills. Mlaathi’s estranged husband, Kuriyachan, a notorious handler of fierce dogs and a criminal on the run, is being tracked down by relentless officers. As the manhunt tightens, Mlaathi and Peeyos stumble upon buried secrets — revelations so disturbing that the mountains themselves seem to tremble under their weight. What begins as a quiet life in isolation slowly turns into a gripping mystery, where every shadow feels suspicious and every truth carries a sting.

REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM: 

Eko emerges like a whisper from the deep woods — a Malayalam thriller that thrives not on spectacle, but on the eerie breath of its landscape and the unspoken emotions of its characters. Dinjith Ayyathan steers the film with an assured yet invisible hand, while Babu Ramesh crafts a closing chapter to his animal-themed saga that feels more immersive, more haunting, and more emotionally charged than anything before it.

From the first shot itself, the film plunges you into the rugged solitude of Kaattukunnu — a mountain belt wrapped in mist and unease. This isn’t just a shooting location; it is the pulse of the film, shaping moods and whispering clues through every shadow. The valleys breathe uncertainty, the quiet houses hold secrets, and the fog acts like a veil hiding truths the characters fear to confront. Very few thrillers manage to make their geography this alive.

What makes the experience so gripping is the film’s refusal to guide you neatly. Instead of leading you through a predictable trail, Eko scatters signals, half-revealed motives, and disconnected timelines that only begin to weave together as you sink deeper. This storytelling choice makes the audience a participant — always watching, always guessing, always doubting. The film builds its mystery slowly, but with intention. Every pause, every glance, every shift of wind seems to carry weight. Dinjith and Bahul shape their scenes with patience, allowing the mountain’s silence to speak louder than dialogue. What first appears meandering soon reveals itself to be a subtle lure, pulling you further into Kaattukunnu’s labyrinth.

At the heart of the narrative lies an unexpected lens — the dogs. They are not background noise, nor sentiment triggers; they are emotional conduits, clues, and sometimes keepers of truth. Their presence becomes a bridge between instinct and human complication, reflecting themes of dominance, loyalty, and silent understanding. Few films have captured the intelligence and intuition of animals with such depth.

Bahul Ramesh’s dual contribution behind the camera and on paper elevates Eko’s texture. His visuals feel like fragments of a half-remembered dream — dimly lit rooms, damp forest trails, light slicing through fog. The visual grammar enriches the script, creating a seamless bond between narrative tension and visual poetry. Sooraj E. S. shapes the film’s flow with a deft editorial rhythm. Though the story leaps across times and perspectives, the transitions feel almost subconscious. The pacing mirrors the fog: soft, drifting, but hiding something sharp underneath. Even the slower portions feel loaded with anticipation.

The soundscape plays a colossal role in building the film’s tension. Forest murmurs, faint movements in the distance, and the echo of animal calls blend into an acoustic cloak that wraps around the viewer. It creates the unsettling sensation that something is always watching from beyond the frame.

Muieeb’s background score enters not as music, but as an emotion. It arrives quietly, staying just long enough to deepen the feeling of dread or wonder, never imposing itself. The soundtrack becomes a companion, shadowing the narrative without overshadowing it.

As the chase for Kuriachan tightens, the film begins to resemble a puzzle-box novel — each revelation measured, each omission deliberate. The writing trusts the intelligence of its audience, expecting them to stitch together clues without handholding. This faith in the viewer is what gives the film its lingering impact. The story also opens doors into moral and psychological questions. It nudges you to consider where affection turns into possession, where safety mutates into confinement, and how humans complicate what animals express with simple purity. These themes surface quietly, without sermonising, making them even more resonant.

Dinjith’s direction shines most in what he chooses not to show. The unsaid becomes powerful here. Silence carries meaning. Shadows feel like hints. The director embraces restraint, letting the audience feel the tension instead of being instructed on it. This makes the mystery far more atmospheric. The post-interval segment tightens the screws. Ambiguity starts peeling away. Links snap into place. What felt like scattered strands start forming a single, compelling thread. The second half moves with urgency and emotional clarity, transforming quiet uncertainty into gripping momentum.

When the film reaches its concluding stretch, it lands with genuine emotional force. The finale is not just satisfying — it recontextualises everything before it. The haze lifts, the motives sharpen, and the emotional truth hits with surprising weight. The quiet build-up feels entirely worth it.

Sandeep Pradeep anchors the film with an understated, internalised performance. He conveys conflict without theatrics, blending naturally into the mood of the story. The supporting cast — from Nairan to Vineeth, Ashokan to Binu Pappu — each adds a distinct shade, subtly feeding the air of uncertainty surrounding Kuriachan. Craft-wise, Eko is a unified vision. Every department — sound, edit, performances, cinematography, writing, music — collaborates like an ensemble of storytellers working toward the same uneasy mood. The result is a film that feels carved rather than constructed.

In the end, Eko stands as a testament to how quietly told stories can be the most unsettling. It proves that thrillers need not rattle you with noise; they can seep into your mind through atmosphere, silence, and suggestion. With its hypnotic visuals, lingering themes, and masterful control of mystery, Eko becomes an experience — one that stays with you long after the mist fades.

CONCLUSION:

In the end, Eko triumphs as a masterfully written and meticulously crafted mystery thriller, powered by Bahul Ramesh’s sharp script that balances intrigue, emotion, and philosophical depth with remarkable precision. The film sustains an unbroken sense of mystery, wrapping you in a slow-burning tension that evolves into a haunting afterthought long after you leave the theatre. Dinjith Ayyathan’s outstanding direction elevates every frame — his command over silence, atmosphere, and pacing turns the narrative into an immersive cinematic experience rather than just a story on screen. Sandeep Pradeep’s performance stands out with quiet brilliance, anchoring the film with restraint and emotional honesty that perfectly complements the film’s tone. With its chilling mood, thrilling revelations, and unforgettable visuals, Eko is not just a movie but a full-fledged sensory journey. I would highly recommend experiencing it on the big screen — this is a must-watch, never-miss theatrical film that deserves to be felt, heard, and absorbed in all its cinematic glory.

RATING: 5/5

A Review by Arunjyothi. R

Vilayath Budha Review ONE WORD: An Ambitious Story Crushed by Average Direction and Sluggish Screenplay- Makes It a One-Time Watch. 

A Review by Arunjyothi R 

LANGUAGE: MALAYALAM

DURATION: 02 Hours 56 Minutes 

DIRECTOR: Jayan Nambiar 

GENRE: Action Thriller 

•POSITIVES:

1: Story 

2: Prithviraj Sukumaran 

3: Performance of actors 

4: Music and Background Score 

5: Cinematography 

•NEGATIVES:

1: Direction 

2: Screenplay 

3: Duration of the film 

4: Editing 

5: Lagging at many points

6: Weak emotional arch 

7: VFX 

STORY: 

Set in the rugged landscapes of Marayur, Vilaayath Budha unfolds through the life of Double Mohanan, a man whose reputation is split between fear and admiration. Known for his deep involvement in the illicit trade of sandalwood, Mohanan moves through the village like a shadow—dangerous to many, yet a symbol of daring ambition to others. At the same time, his heart is drawn to Chaitanya, a strong-willed woman who runs her jaggery enterprise with fierce independence and fearlessness.

Not far from Mohanan’s world stands Bhaskaran Master, a former teacher who has nurtured an exceptionally rare fragrant sandalwood tree in his courtyard. This tree is not just a plant for him—it’s tied to an old wound that he guards with pride and silence. When Mohanan comes across this precious tree, he sees his next big opportunity. But for him, the chase is not just about money; it’s also a chance to settle an old score with the very man who once guided his school days.

What follows is a gripping duel of pride, vengeance, and survival. The tension between Mohanan and his former mentor intensifies as their motives collide, raising the question: can Mohanan overpower the past and claim what he desires, or will the weight of old grudges crush his plans?

REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM: 

Vilaayath Budha begins with a foundation that instantly sparks curiosity. The premise holds enough dramatic weight to promise a captivating emotional journey, even if the storyline isn’t groundbreaking. What makes the film initially appealing is its attempt to explore the complex human emotions hidden beneath a seemingly straightforward conflict. The intention is visible, and at times, the emotional textures do resonate, but the execution never fully shapes them into something memorable.

The film is inspired by a widely appreciated novel, known for its tense, atmospheric storytelling. The original work offers a gripping blend of suspense, character depth, and moral ambiguity. While the adaptation manages to brush against a few of these strengths, it struggles to carry them through to the finish. The final act, especially, feels like a steep downfall. The movie introduces several interesting personalities, yet their arcs remain underutilized. This is a classic case of a strong narrative foundation being let down by an inconsistent cinematic translation.

One of the biggest hurdles here is the transformation of the novel into a functional screenplay. Many literary adaptations stumble at this stage, and Vilaayath Budha unfortunately joins that list. The pacing is unusually lethargic, the storytelling lacks energy, and the interest the opening scenes build gradually dissolves. What starts as a promising setup collapses midway, almost like a structure that appears sturdy but crumbles due to weak support underneath. The dullness of the narrative rhythm further prevents the story from reaching its potential impact.

The script had all the required ingredients to evolve into a gripping thriller, but the writing never sharpens itself enough to achieve that. Instead of digging deeper into character motivations or emotional complexities, the film repeatedly falls back on predictable genre staples. There’s an unmistakable absence of intensity in the storytelling. Despite having the right atmosphere and premise, the film limits itself to formulaic choices, leaving little room for innovation or emotional depth.

The movie’s first half is passable, though not engaging enough to pull the audience fully into its world. But the second half slows down drastically, stretching scenes far beyond necessity. Several moments that were designed to be emotionally strong feel muted and hollow. A tighter, more disciplined runtime would have significantly improved the experience. Even the dialogue writing seems uninspired, making several scenes feel flat and disconnected from the seriousness the film demands.

One of the most crucial issues arises in the climax. The final stretch, intended to deliver the emotional and dramatic high point of the story, falls shockingly short. The twist, instead of surprising or stirring the audience, comes across as unpolished and even amateurish. Character emotions are expressed without conviction, and the scenes meant to hold weight are staged without depth. This lack of precision drains the climax of all emotion and suspense.

The screenplay tries to preserve the layered texture of the novel but fails to translate that complexity effectively. The narrative becomes unnecessarily heavy due to an over-reliance on literary-style exposition. Some emotional beats are rushed, some are overstretched, and several promising secondary characters receive minimal development. The imbalance in pacing and character focus further pulls the film away from achieving its intended intensity.

The central emotional conflict—the core rivalry and ego-driven tension between the two men—never rises to its full potential. Prithviraj has previously headlined films that brilliantly showcased such confrontations, but here, the staging lacks bite. The direction does not deliver the gravitas or raw energy required for such a theme. The filmmaking feels oddly detached, with scenes stitched together in a way that often feels forced. If a visionary filmmaker like Sachy had helmed this project, the thematic intensity might have been elevated beyond measure. Instead, the film lacks authenticity in its transitions, its dramatic staging, and its emotional peaks.

However, the shortcomings are substantial. The direction lacks clarity, the screenplay feels half-baked, the film drags far longer than necessary, and the editing—despite having clean transitions—fails to maintain rhythm. VFX work looks unrefined, and several action sequences appear exaggerated and overly cinematic. Emotional arcs remain weak, and many crucial scenes fail to land with the intended force. Numerous moments feel disconnected, making the film’s journey uneven and tiring.

Yet, amidst these shortcomings, there are bright spots. The storyline itself remains undeniably compelling. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s performance becomes the primary driving force, keeping the audience anchored through even the tiring portions. His dialogue delivery is sharp, emotional scenes are handled with finesse, and his romantic and action sequences show controlled commitment. The soundtrack by Jakes Bejoy brings warmth and atmosphere, although one or two songs feel misplaced. The background score, however, successfully sustains tension and gives life to many scenes that would otherwise fall flat. The cinematography is another major asset, offering stunning forest shots, atmospheric night sequences, and expressive close-ups that capture the mood beautifully.

Shammi Thilakan turns out to be one of the film’s strongest assets, carrying his role with remarkable precision and emotional weight. His performance subtly echoes the legacy of his legendary father, bringing a natural intensity and sharpness to every line he delivers. Whenever he shares the frame with Prithviraj, the chemistry elevates the scene, making those moments some of the most engaging in the film despite its shortcomings. Priyamvada Krishnan, too, delivers a confident performance. Having already made an impact with her debut in Thottappan, she once again proves her ability to stand firm beside seasoned actors. Her character, bold and uninhibited, complements Mohanan’s recklessness perfectly, adding both spark and unpredictability to their dynamic.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, Vilaayath Budha is a film built on a solid foundation but weakened by its own execution. The story, the performances, and the technical craft show flashes of what the film could have been, yet the inconsistent direction, sluggish pacing, and underdeveloped emotional beats hold it back from reaching its full potential. Prithviraj, Shammi Thilakan, and Priyamvada Krishnan give the narrative the spark it desperately needs, but even their committed performances cannot completely rescue the film from its structural shortcomings. Vilaayath Budha remains a watchable attempt with notable merits, but it ultimately falls short of delivering the gripping, emotionally charged drama that its premise promises.

RATING: 2.5/5 

A Review by Arunjyothi. R