A Malaysian model turned actress Sim Zhi Fei is suddenly the name everyone is talking about after her Malayalam debut in the recently released thriller ‘Eko’. The 2025 mystery thriller directed by Dinjith Ayyathan has not only turned into a box office success but has also introduced Malayalam cinema to one of its freshest and most promising new faces.Playing the younger version of Soyi, also known as Mlaathi Chedathi, Sim has earned widespread admiration for her expressive portrayal, graceful screen presence. Her segment, which appears mainly in flashback sequences, has been called one of the most unforgettable portions of the film.
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
From Malaysia’s modelling scene to Malayalam cinema
Before ‘Eko’, Sim Zhi Fei was well known in Malaysia as a fashion and commercial model.‘Eko’s story which is centred around stolen Malaysian dogs, a missing estate owner, and a caretaker unraveling dark secrets, required a performance that could emotionally anchor the past to the present narrative. Sim rose to the challenge effortlessly, earning applause from both audiences and critics and all thanks to her rooted performance.
“A blessing” to work with Malayalam stars – Sim Zhi Fei
At a post-release media interaction, Sim Zhi Fei expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love she has received. She called her experience working with established Malayalam actors “a blessing” and said she never imagined her first film would bring such warmth and recognition. Her role complements the adult portrayal of Soyi by Biana Momin, and the pairing, although separated across timelines, has been praised for its believable continuity and emotional connection.In our ETimes review we say, “Set in a vast, difficult to access, hilly estate that Kuriachan owns, the story centres around his aged Malaysian wife, Mlatthi chedathi and a young helper, Peyoos (Sandeep Pradeep). Any visitor to the remote estate comes across the dogs that Kuriachan has bred; it’s a challenge for the viewer to not see Kishkindha Kaandam playing simultaneously in the mind.”
Box office success of ‘Eko’
Meanwhile, Eko continues to surge at the box office, earning Rs 1.40 crore on Day 6 and taking its total to Rs 10.45 crore India net.
