Cheekatilo Prime Video Movie Review: When a Crime Podcast Dares to Question Society’s Darkest Silences

Cheekatilo Prime Video Movie Review: “Cheekatilo” is a very unique concept that has now been released on Amazon Prime Video. It is a Telugu crime thriller that is directed by Sharan Koppisetty, to the forefront. Having Sobhita Dhulipala as the lead, the film tries to blend true-crime podcasting with social commentary as it attempts to shine a light on how society enables abuse while silencing survivors. Moreover, Cheekatilo is less about a conventional whodunit, and it is more about confronting uncomfortable truths.

Baapofmovies.com Rating: 3/5

• Where to watch: Prime Video
• Release Date: January 23, 2026
• Director: Sharan Koppisetty
• Stars: Sobhita Dhulipala, Viswadev Rachakonda, Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Vadlamani Srinivas, and others
• Runtime: 126 Minutes (2hrs 6 min)

Cheekatilo Story Overview

Cheekatilo takes us to Sandhya Nelluri. Sandhya is a principled news anchor who is frustrated with sensationalist crime reporting. She is bored with her television job, and that’s why she starts an independent true-crime podcast to tell stories that are filled with facts, empathy, and responsibility.

Her professional mission turns painfully personal because a brutal crime happens close to her home. Sandhya digs deeper as she works alongside the police. In her discovery, she uncovers a chilling pattern: a serial offender who has been active for over two decades is now targeting women who are marked by traditional symbols like anklets (ghungroo) and jasmine flowers (gajra). The film started as an investigation, but it soon changed into a broader examination of trauma, silence, and societal complicity.

Cheekatilo Cast Performances

Sobhita Dhulipala stands out with a refined performance, as she delivered a very restrained and grounded performance as Sandhya. She displayed the character with quiet resolve and owned the role of a woman who chooses to reclaim her voice rather than perform outrage. There could be some viewers who may find her emotional restraint distancing, but it perfectly aligns with the film’s attempt at realism.

The supporting cast in the form of Viswadev Rachakonda, Jhansi, Aamani, and Ravindra Vijay adds weight to the narrative. Interestingly, there are many peripheral characters, including the antagonist, who feel more layered than the protagonist herself.

Positive Aspects in Cheekatilo

• Modern Narrative Device: The use of a true-crime podcast in Cheekatilo brings something new, and it feels timely and relevant.
• Social Commentary: The film boldly questions how abuse is normalised, and it touches the sensitivity and said truth of the society.
• Atmospheric Tension: The slow-burn pacing and shadow-heavy visuals were necessary to create a lingering sense of unease.
• Powerful Moments: There are scenes like the dinner-table confrontation that effectively highlight everyday misogyny and enforced silence.

Negative Aspects in Cheekatilo

• Lack of Depth: Even though the film tackles heavy themes, it doesn’t really try to dig deeper. 
• Problematic Messaging: There are certain dialogues and scenes that failed to click at all, as they unintentionally dilute the film’s core message by lacking sensitivity.
• Convenient Writing: The “law of convenience” frequently kicks in, such as easy access to investigations, lenient police procedures, and plot turns that feel rushed or unearned.

Technical Aspects

Cheekatilo scores well in background music, as it plays a crucial role in sustaining tension. The cinematography is decent, as it uses darkness and negative space to echo the film’s title and themes. However, there are some visible flaws in the visual consistency, which falters during graphic sequences because the execution of blood and gore feels less polished compared to the rest of the film.

Final Verdict

Overall, Cheekatilo is an ambitious Telugu crime thriller that dares to bring something new, but it falls short on so many parameters. Even though the film stumbles in execution and sensitivity at times, its intent deserves applause. The film was about difficult conversations about abuse, accountability, and silence. Sobhita Dhulipala is the highlight, and the film is powered by a relevant premise. 

Cheekatilo is haunting and imperfect, but it is a necessary watch for viewers who appreciate socially conscious thrillers.

Watch Cheekatilo Trailer

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