Prime Video has officially announced Cheekatilo, its latest Telugu Original crime suspense drama, starring Sobhita Dhulipala in the lead role. The film is set to premiere worldwide on January 23, 2026, exclusively on Prime Video across India and in more than 240 countries and territories. With subtitles available in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, Cheekatilo aims to reach a truly global audience.
Directed by Sharan Kopishetty and produced by veteran filmmaker D. Suresh Babu under the banner of Suresh Productions Pvt. Ltd., Cheekatilo promises an intense, emotionally layered, and gripping cinematic experience. The screenplay has been written by Chandra Pemmaraju and Sharan Kopishetty. Along with Sobhita Dhulipala, the film features Viswadev Rachakonda in a key role, supported by Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani, and Vadlamani Srinivas.
Set in the vibrant yet complex city of Hyderabad, Cheekatilo follows the journey of Sandhya, a true crime podcaster who becomes deeply involved in a chilling investigation after her intern’s mysterious death. As she searches for answers, Sandhya uncovers a disturbing chain of brutal crimes that expose the darkest layers of the city. The narrative blends investigative suspense with emotional conflict, making the story both thrilling and deeply human.
What makes Cheekatilo stand out is its use of modern storytelling tools like podcasts as a narrative device, combined with rooted cultural realism. The film explores themes of resilience, sisterhood, truth, and the courage to confront uncomfortable realities. Rather than relying only on shock value, the story focuses on emotional depth and moral strength.
Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals at Prime Video India, stated that Cheekatilo reflects Prime Video’s commitment to delivering bold and meaningful South Indian stories. He emphasized that while suspense thrillers are popular, the platform aims to present narratives that carry emotional weight and cultural authenticity. According to him, Cheekatilo continues the creative momentum built by earlier Telugu Originals and strengthens Prime Video’s partnership with Suresh Productions.
Producer D. Suresh Babu described Cheekatilo as a powerful emotional suspense drama that highlights the importance of speaking the truth and confronting darkness. He expressed confidence that the film’s haunting storyline and strong performances would leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
With its strong creative team, compelling storyline, and a powerful lead performance by Sobhita Dhulipala, Cheekatilo is expected to become one of the most talked-about Telugu OTT releases of 2026. As Prime Video continues to expand its Telugu Originals slate, Cheekatilo stands as a promising example of how regional stories can achieve global resonance when told with honesty, depth, and cinematic excellence. Cheekatilo premieres globally on Prime Video on January 23, 2026, offering viewers an intense, emotional, and unforgettable crime suspense experience.
