Film Identify : Cheekatilo
Streaming Date : Jan 23, 2026
Streaming Platform : Amazon Prime Video
123telugu.com Score : 2.75/5
Starring : Sobhita Dhulipala, Viswadev Rachakonda, Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani, Vadlamani Srinivas, Ravindra Vijay
Director : Sharan Koppisetty
Producer : D. Suresh Babu
Music Director : Sricharan Pakala
Cinematographer : Mallikarjun
Editor : KSN
Associated Hyperlinks : Trailer
After a protracted hole, actress Sobhita Dhulipala has returned to Telugu cinema with Cheekatilo, an online unique that marks her debut within the Telugu OTT area. The sequence is directed by Sharan Koppishetty. Cheekatilo was launched immediately in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil, on Amazon Prime Video and right here is our tackle the way it fares.
Story:
Sandhya (Sobhita Dhulipala), a journalist who quits her job over TRP-driven ethics, begins her personal podcast. When her colleague Bobby (Aditi Myakal) and Bobby’s boyfriend are murdered, Sandhya uncovers a sample linking a number of related killings. Decided to show the reality, she investigates the case and shares particulars via her podcast Cheekatilo, with help from Amar (Vishwadev Rachakonda). Who’s behind the murders and why kinds the core of the story.
Plus Factors:
Sobhita Dhulipala takes on a task that’s comparatively new for her and handles it with ease. She convincingly portrays the inside ache of a girl haunted by unresolved truths. Vishwadev Rachakonda has restricted display screen time, however he makes good use of the scope given and leaves an impression.
Whereas crime thrillers typically reveal the antagonist early, Cheekatilo retains the wrongdoer hidden till the pre-climax. Nonetheless, though the thriller is preserved, the movie doesn’t generate the strain required to make that reveal really gripping.
Director Sharan Koppishetty makes an attempt to discover the concept of unknowingly suppressing trauma via a number of scenes, and the narrative from pre-climax to the climax works moderately effectively. Aamani, regardless of restricted display screen presence, performs successfully. Vadlamani Srinivas will get a neat position, and seeing him in a special shade is refreshing.
Minus Factors:
The core problem with Cheekatilo lies not in its idea however in its execution. In serial crime thrillers, sustained rigidity is essential to maintain viewers engaged. Whereas the story provides ample scope for suspense, the narrative unfolds in a largely flat method.
Due to this method, the sense of urgency, what occurs subsequent and who may very well be the following goal, not often comes via. Scenes observe each other, however only a few moments create real anticipation.
The police investigation, specifically, lacks seriousness and feels synthetic, decreasing its impression on the narrative. Equally, the movie doesn’t convincingly set up how Sandhya’s podcast features huge recognition in such a brief span, guaranteeing developments really feel rushed and overly cinematic.
A number of supporting characters, together with these performed by Ravindra Vijay, Jhansi, Suresh, and Vishwadev, are underwritten, limiting the emotional depth the story may have achieved. At sure factors, repetitive scenes make the narrative really feel stagnant, as if the movie is reluctant to maneuver ahead.
Technical Elements:
Whereas Srikanth Pakala’s background rating makes an attempt to create a tense ambiance, the flat writing prevents these moments from absolutely touchdown. Enhancing by KSN is satisfactory, although trimming a number of parts may have improved the pacing. Mallikarjun’s cinematography is enough and fits the temper of the movie. Manufacturing values are respectable.
Director Sharan Koppishetty, together with co-writer Chandra Pemmaraju, presents a well-recognized story in a special setup. Nonetheless, inconsistent execution and the shortage of partaking narrative beats make the ultimate outcome really feel routine.
Verdict:
On the entire, Cheekatilo is against the law thriller that works in components. Sobhita Dhulipala delivers a honest efficiency, and the underlying message is obvious and effectively conveyed. Nonetheless, weak execution in a number of parts, a scarcity of sustained rigidity at locations, and a few repetitive moments forestall the movie from turning into a compelling thriller. In case you get pleasure from thrillers, you might give it a attempt, however preserve your expectations in test.
123telugu.com Score: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Group
