An Indian film is yet to win an Oscar in the non-technical Academy Awards categories. However, according to actor-filmmaker Bandi Saroj Kumar, director Dinjith Ayyathan's Eko, written by Bahul Ramesh, is worthy of the prestigious recognition. Taking to X on New Year's Eve, Bandi Saroj Kumar called it the best film of 2025 and one of the greatest films of the decade. "Oscar deserving film," he went on to add about the immersive thriller set on a hill station.
A user commented under the actor-filmmaker's post, saying that the same makers' 2024 film Kishkindha Kaandam is better in comparison to Eko. In response, Bandi Saroj Kumar said that while he has watched Kishkindha Kaandam, he still regards the Sandeep Pradeep starrer as a better film.
While many agreed with Bandi Saroj Kumar on his Eko movie review, some also claimed that it is overrated. Responding to user comments, questioning the film's Oscar credentials, the filmmaker-actor doubled down on his appreciation for it. "It will surely compete at Oscar in 'best foreign language film' category, if sent from India," he told one user. "As an ardent follower of Oscars since 2 decades, I believe this film has all the potential to win an Oscar," he told another user.
Also starring Vineeth, Narain, Saurabh Sachdeva, Biana Momin, Binu Pappu, Eko tells the story of a pursuit for a mysterious man named Kuriachan by multiple personalities. As the search gets deeper and deeper, the film gives us intriguing details about Kuriachan's past, making the audience question as to whether or not he has been leading a good life.
The film has been widely appreciated for its suspenseful story, its performances, led by Sandeep and Biana Momin, and its technical aspects, including Bahul's own cinematography and Mujeeb Majeed's haunting background score. It is now streaming on Netflix.
