Ekaki Movie 2025 Movierulz Review Details
Ekaki 2025 Review: Ashish Chanchlani’s Directorial Leap into Horror-Comedy
You know that rare mix where you laugh and shiver in the same breath? Ekaki hits that sweet spot. Directed, written, and led by Ashish Chanchlani, this 2025 YouTube web series proves how a creator known for sketches can seamlessly handle long-form storytelling.
As a reviewer with over 15 years of film coverage, I found Ekaki to be a fascinating experiment — both a genre-blend and a director’s identity test. Let’s dive deep into Chanchlani’s vision and creative craft that makes this series worth the buzz.
⭐ Star Rating Overview
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Direction | 4.2 |
| Screenplay & Tone | 4.0 |
| Performance Integration | 4.3 |
| Overall Impact | 4.1 |
This rating’s personal—could change on director’s cut.
Chanchlani’s Directorial Choices
Ashish Chanchlani wears many hats here — writer, director, producer, and actor — and surprisingly, manages to keep them balanced. His directorial choices blend jump scares with punchlines, allowing viewers to breathe between laughs and shocks.
What stands out is how Chanchlani paces the narrative. He doesn’t overplay the horror or drown it in jokes; instead, he orchestrates both like a well-timed sketch. As someone who’s reviewed everything from Stree to Go Goa Gone, I can say Ekaki finds a new tonal balance within the Indian horror-comedy space.
- Maintains consistent tone between fear and humor
- Balances ensemble cast screen time effectively
- Smartly integrates visual humor with eerie setups
Insight: Chanchlani directs like a storyteller first, entertainer second — a shift from his usual YouTube energy.
Takeaway: The horror never undercuts the comedy; instead, it elevates it.
Influences and Inspirations
As I watched, echoes of Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Tumbbad flickered — not in imitation, but as respectful nods. The haunted villa trope gets a youthful, digital-age refresh here. The cinematography by Lalit Sahoo complements this vibe with soft, natural shadows instead of over-stylized lighting, giving authenticity to the eerie moments.
There’s also a noticeable Edgar Wright-style rhythm in editing — especially in comedic transitions. That punchy pacing keeps the audience glued, even in scenes without major scares.
| Influence | Reflection in Ekaki |
|---|---|
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) | Traditional horror-comedy tone |
| Go Goa Gone (2013) | Group dynamic and humor interplay |
| Shaun of the Dead (2004) | Fast-cut comedic editing |
Insight: The series feels like a digital-native reimagination of classic Indian horror tropes.
Takeaway: Inspirations don’t overshadow originality; they reinforce it.
Character & Performance Direction
Directing friends and frequent collaborators like Akash Dodeja and Sidhant Sarfare gives the series a relaxed chemistry. Each actor seems naturally placed — a clear sign of confident direction. The performances flow organically, particularly during the chaotic group scenes inside the haunted bungalow.
Chanchlani guides his ensemble with precision, ensuring no gag feels forced and no scare feels mechanical. The humor feels situational, not scripted — a huge win for any horror-comedy.
| Actor | Role Type | Director’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ashish Chanchlani | Lead / Self-aware protagonist | Balanced self-irony with serious beats |
| Akash Dodeja | Comedic relief | Natural humor, timed reactions |
| Sidhant Sarfare | Support | Controlled chaos during tension |
Insight: The cast works like a well-rehearsed troupe, elevating even simple jokes.
Takeaway: Direction thrives when actors trust their leader — and they clearly trust Ashish.
Screenplay Vision and Pacing
The screenplay takes its time — but that’s a good thing. We get enough setup before the first haunting, making the characters relatable. The jokes land because we care about the people cracking them. Ekaki Villa itself becomes a character — with creaking floors, echoing hallways, and strategically placed mirrors enhancing the tension.
- Act 1: Reunion and setup
- Act 2: Discovery and escalation
- Act 3: Resolution with humor intact
Insight: Ashish’s narrative design proves pacing can make or break a horror-comedy — and here, it makes it.
Takeaway: Tension and laughter coexist beautifully when structured with care.
Comparison to Chanchlani’s Previous Works
Fans who know Ashish from ACV Originals sketches will notice how his style matures here. Gone are the over-the-top cuts and exaggerated expressions — replaced by cinematic restraint and situational humor. It’s refreshing to see a YouTuber-turned-director evolve this way.
| Project | Format | Tone | Growth Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Ke Baad (2019) | Short Sketch | Slapstick Comedy | Early character work |
| PariWar (2022) | Short Series | Dramatic Humor | Improved storytelling |
| Ekaki (2025) | Web Series | Horror-Comedy | Balanced narrative vision |
Insight: Growth in storytelling depth is undeniable across his career.
Takeaway: Ekaki feels like the director’s graduation project — polished, self-aware, and bold.
Technical Supervision and Creative Team
The creative direction by Tanish Sirwani and production design by Shweta Kshatriya enhance Ashish’s vision. Omkar Tamhan and Mariyano Studios ensure that the sound feels alive — creaks, whispers, and eerie silences perfectly blend with the visuals.
Editor Sanjay Sharma keeps transitions crisp while maintaining narrative rhythm. The team effort clearly reflects a shared understanding of Chanchlani’s storytelling tone.
- Creative direction aligns with visual humor
- Sound design supports both fear and fun
- Editing complements comedic timing
Final Verdict
Ekaki marks Ashish Chanchlani’s evolution from a digital entertainer to a credible filmmaker. It’s not flawless — a few predictable beats and uneven scares exist — but the heart of the project lies in its sincerity. The balance between spooky and silly makes this a replay-worthy web series.
Insight: Ashish proves that creative control, when paired with a strong team, delivers authentic storytelling.
Takeaway: Ekaki is a fun, eerie, and confident directorial debut that redefines Indian horror-comedy for 2025.
FAQs
Question 1
What makes Ekaki’s direction different from typical YouTube projects?
Answer 1
Ashish Chanchlani treats it like a film, not a sketch. He focuses on mood, pacing, and atmosphere instead of punchline-heavy scenes.
Question 2
Is Ekaki more horror or comedy?
Answer 2
It’s a balanced blend — you’ll get chills and chuckles almost in the same scene, which keeps it engaging throughout.
Question 3
Will Ekaki set a new trend in Indian web content?
Answer 3
Yes, it might. By merging horror with humor in a long-form YouTube format, it opens doors for more genre experimentation in 2025 and beyond.
Disclaimer: Ratings are my personal take and may evolve after future episodes or rewatching. Your experience might differ.
