Malayalam film ‘Eko’ has struck a chord with audiences since its release on Nov 21, 2025. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written and shot by Bahul Ramesh, the film has drawn strong reviews for its storytelling and visual craft.

One of the highlights of the film has been the performance of Sandeep Pradeep, whose portrayal of Peyioos quickly became a focal point of audience praise and critical attention.

In a conversation with Mathrubhumi’s Siraj Kasim, Sandeep reflects on his career. “Like everyone else, I too was excited because it came from the team behind the super hit Kishkindha Kaandam. Directors Dinjith and Bahul are known for their unique style of storytelling and filmmaking. My entry into Eko happened almost by chance. After seeing my performance in Falimy, Dinjith approached me for this role,” he recalled.

Pressure after Padakkalam

I shot Eko soon after Padakkalam. I never expected my character in Padakkalam to receive such massive appreciation. Naturally, when a film becomes a hit, the next role carries an added layer of pressure. But I didn’t step into Eko with that weight. This was never a solo film; it was written with equal space for all characters. For me, sharing the screen with talented actors like Vineeth, Narain, and Ashokan is what made this role truly special.

Also Read: Who is Sim Zhi Fei? Malaysian actress who stole hearts in Eko

Life on shooting location

Eko is not a film one can do easily. It demanded physical endurance and hard work. Many scenes required intense physical effort, so getting a shot right in a single take always felt like a huge relief. The more the retakes, the tougher the shoot became.

The location experiences were unforgettable. We often had to walk kilometres to reach the shooting spots. The thick fog, heavy rain, and the harsh terrain made filming incredibly difficult. One thing we always carried with us was salt, because the area was full of leeches. The first bite hurt a lot, but after a while, even that pain became familiar.

Short films and friendships

It was a group of film-loving friends and the short films we made together that eventually led me into cinema. In those days, I did everything: acting, assisting direction, and helping with writing. My real entry into Malayalam cinema happened with Pathinettam Padi. I was selected through an audition, and the biggest excitement was acting alongside Mammootty sir in my very first film. That joy is something I will always carry with me.