Cheekatilo (2026) marks Sobhita Dhulipala’s return to the screen in an atmospheric crime thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Sharan Koppisetty, the film follows a podcaster’s gritty pursuit of a serial killer. While it boasts strong technical values and a stellar cast, does the narrative deliver enough chills? Read our full Cheekatilo Movie Review to find out.
Cheekatilo Movie Review: A Dark Mystery That Struggles to Shine
The crime thriller genre remains a favorite in Telugu cinema, and the latest addition to this list is Cheekatilo. Starring the versatile Sobhita Dhulipala in the lead, the film arrived directly on OTT via Amazon Prime Video after significant anticipation. Directed by Sharan Koppisetty, this Cheekatilo Web Series Review (often categorized as a digital-first film) explores whether this investigative thriller manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Plot Overview
Sandhya (Sobhita Dhulipala) is a principled middle-class journalist working for a prominent TV channel. Living with her parents (Pradeep and Jhansi) and grandmother (Sri Lakshmi), she finds herself at odds with the sensationalist nature of her job and eventually resigns to start her own true-crime podcast.
The stakes turn personal when her friend Bobby and Bobby’s boyfriend are brutally murdered. Sandhya uses her podcast to investigate the case, crossing paths with a frustrated Special Officer, Rajamani (Suresh), who is later replaced by Anandini (Isha Chawla). As Sandhya balances her relationship with her fiancé Amar (Vishwadev Rachakonda), she becomes obsessed with tracking a serial killer who leaves behind jasmine flowers and anklet bells at crime scenes. Her journey leads her to the Godavari districts to uncover a dark past.
Cast and Character Portrayals
- Sobhita Dhulipala: As Sandhya, Sobhita brings a grounded intensity to the role. While she portrays the vulnerability of a grieving friend well, the script limits her character’s “dynamic” potential.
- Supporting Cast: The film features a powerhouse of veteran actors including Amani, Suresh, and Ravindra Vijay. Suresh is effective as the disgruntled cop, and Isha Chawla provides a brief spark. However, despite their talent, most characters lack depth and feel underutilized.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Sharan Koppisetty succeeds in creating an initial sense of intrigue. The title Cheekatilo (In the Dark) perfectly sets the tone for a journey into the unknown.
- Cinematography: Mallikarjun’s camera work is a highlight. The night-effect sequences and the atmospheric lighting add a necessary layer of gloom and suspense to the Cheekatilo Movie experience.
- Music: Sricharan Pakala delivers a solid background score that complements the thriller template, heightening the tension in key investigative scenes.
- Editing: K.S.N.’s editing is functional, though it couldn’t salvage the pacing issues in the second half.
Cinematic Analysis & Verdict
The primary flaw of the Cheekatilo Movie Review lies in its execution. While the premise of a podcaster outsmarting the police is engaging, the screenplay lacks the necessary “punch.” There is a lot of “noise” and movement from the police and media, but the actual investigation feels thin.
Characters that are introduced with great fanfare often fizzle out quickly, leading to a dip in the viewer’s engagement. For a thriller, the twists are somewhat predictable, and the pacing occasionally falters, making the narrative feel repetitive.
Overall Verdict: Cheekatilo is a stylistically sound thriller with a commendable performance by Sobhita Dhulipala. However, a weak script and lack of gripping emotional stakes prevent it from being a masterpiece. It remains a one-time watch for fans of the genre.
Important FAQs: Cheekatilo Movie Review
1. Where can I watch Cheekatilo?
The movie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Who is the lead actress in the Cheekatilo Movie?
Sobhita Dhulipala plays the lead role of Sandhya, a journalist turned podcaster.
3. Is Cheekatilo a horror movie?
No, it is a crime thriller centered on a serial killer investigation.
4. Who directed Cheekatilo?
The film is directed by Sharan Koppisetty and produced under the Suresh Productions banner.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this review are based on the source material provided. This review is for informational purposes only and does not contain spoilers that would ruin the viewing experience.
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