The ‘Animal’ trilogy explained: How director Dinjith Ayyathan uses animals in storytelling

Director Dinjith Ayyathan and writer Bahul Ramesh have quietly created something special with what fans now call the ‘Animal’ trilogy. The three projects Kishkindha Kaandam, Eko, and Kerala Crime Files Part 2 may look different on the surface, but they share one strong link.

Each story uses animals as an important part of the narrative, not as decoration, but as meaning.

No fixed formula, only story needs

Speaking to ETimes about this unique pattern, director Dinjith Ayyathan made it clear that there is no set rule behind it. He tells us, “There isn’t a specific formula behind this I choose animals only when the story truly demands it.” He explained that even in his earlier film Krishnam, the monkey fit naturally into the story.

“Similarly, in Eko, the presence of an animal species is essential to the plot and the emotional journey of the story,” he added.

How the idea of Eko was born

Writer Bahul Ramesh shared how the seed of Eko came to him in a sudden moment. He said, “The idea for Eko struck me unexpectedly.” One single line changed everything for him. “There’s a dialogue in the film — ‘Sometimes protection and restriction, they both look the same.’” That thought stayed with him and slowly grew into a full story.

Protection, fear, and hidden meanings

Bahul explained how that one line pushed his imagination forward. “I imagined guarding dogs and wondered — what if this ‘protection’ was actually something more sinister?” he said. He added, “What if something that appears as A is actually B?” According to him, he did not begin with characters or a full plot. “I write intuitively, starting with one scene and letting the next unfold naturally from it.”

What Eko brings to the trilogy

Eko, the latest part of the trilogy, stars Sandeep Pradeep, Vineeth, Narayan, Binu Pappu, and Ashokan. The story follows a mysterious dog breeder who goes missing for days.