When Dhanush Calls It a Masterpiece: Why Malayalam Thriller ‘Eko’ Is Breaking All the Right Rules

In the world of Indian cinema, praise from Dhanush carries weight. The National Award-winning actor, known for his discerning taste, recently took to social media to call Malayalam mystery thriller Eko a “masterpiece”—and the internet can’t stop talking about it. But what makes this slow-burning, atmospheric thriller worthy of such high praise? Let’s dive into the film that’s redefining Malayalam cinema’s golden era.

Eko: Movie Overview

Dhanush’s Rare Public Endorsement

On January 13, 2026, Dhanush posted on X (formerly Twitter): “EKO the Malayalam film is a masterpiece. Actor Biana Momin deserves all the highest honours. World class performance.”

Coming from an actor who rarely gushes publicly about films, this endorsement carries serious credibility. Dhanush isn’t alone—cricketer Dinesh Karthik also praised the film days earlier, calling it one of two high-quality movies he watched recently (alongside Ponman), and lauding director Dinjith Ayyathan for seamlessly weaving cinematography, locations, and storytelling together.

The Story That Keeps You Guessing

Eko unfolds in the secluded, mist-covered hills of Kattukunnu, near the Kerala-Karnataka border—a region so remote it feels like another world. The film centers on Mlaathi Chedathi (Biana Momin), an elderly woman from Malaysia living in isolation with only her Malaysian-breed dogs and caretaker Peeyos (Sandeep Pradeep) for company.

Her mysterious husband Kuriachan (Saurabh Sachdeva), a dog breeder implicated in criminal activities, disappeared years ago into the dense forest. As investigators search for him, the narrative fractures into multiple perspectives, timelines, and unreliable narrators. The film deliberately leaves questions unanswered: Is Kuriachan alive? Can we trust what we’re being told? What secrets does this isolated household hide?

Director Dinjith Ayyathan, fresh off the success of Kishkindha Kaandam, employs non-linear storytelling where revelations emerge organically rather than through forced plot twists. Think Shutter Island meets The Sixth Sense, but with distinctly Malayalam sensibilities rooted in local culture and terrain.

Why Biana Momin Deserves Every Award

Dhanush specifically singled out Biana Momin for her “world-class performance”—and he’s absolutely right. Despite minimal dialogue, Momin conveys complex emotions through subtle body language, expressions, and presence. Her portrayal of an aging woman caught between loneliness, loyalty, and buried secrets is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Sandeep Pradeep as the enigmatic caretaker Peeyos delivers a nuanced performance that peels back layers throughout the film. Supporting performances from Vineeth, Narain (as the investigating officer), and Saurabh Sachdeva add depth to this character-driven mystery.

The Visual Poetry of Bahul Ramesh

What sets Eko apart visually is that writer Bahul Ramesh also serves as the cinematographer—a rare combination that creates artistic cohesion. Every frame feels intentional, with sun-soaked greenery and eerie forest landscapes becoming characters themselves.

Eko completes Bahul Ramesh’s Animal Trilogy, following Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) and Kerala Crime Files 2 (2025). These films explore humanity’s wild, selfish side through animal metaphors and nature-driven narratives—a thematic consistency that elevates Malayalam cinema’s storytelling ambitions.

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Critical and Commercial Triumph

Made on a modest ₹5 crore budget, Eko grossed over ₹50 crore worldwide—a 10x return that proves audiences crave intelligent storytelling over formulaic fare. Critics praised its atmospheric tension, grounded performances, and respect for audience intelligence.

However, some viewers found the slow pacing and non-linear structure challenging. The first half deliberately withholds answers, testing patience before the second half delivers emotional payoffs. This isn’t a thriller for passive viewing—it demands attention, reflection, and willingness to embrace ambiguity.

Now streaming on Netflix, Eko has found a global audience hungry for quality Malayalam content beyond commercial blockbusters.

Malayalam Cinema’s New Golden Age

Dhanush’s praise reflects a larger truth: Malayalam cinema is operating on a different level altogether, as Dinesh Karthik noted. Films like Eko, Kishkindha Kaandam, and Ponman prioritize craft over commerce, vision over formulas, and storytelling over stardom.

The Dinjith Ayyathan-Bahul Ramesh duo resisted mounting Eko on a large canvas with big stars (Mohanlal, Mammootty). Instead, they trusted their vision, betting on substance—and audiences rewarded them with both critical acclaim and box office success.

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