Plot

A popular TV channel employee is brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the media world. Her close friend Sandhya (Sobhita Dhulipala) takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind the crime. To expose the killer, Sandhya launches an audio podcast, narrating clues and theories related to the murder. However, this bold move provokes the serial killer, who begins to see Sandhya as his next target. The story unfolds around whether Sandhya can outsmart the killer and reveal his identity before it’s too late.

Overview

Cheekatilo is a Telugu mystery thriller that marks Sobhita Dhulipala’s first Telugu web film. Produced by D. Suresh Babu and directed by Sharan Koppisetty, the film builds curiosity through its intense narrative, women-centric approach, and gripping suspense. Streaming on Amazon Prime, the film balances thrill with restraint, making it suitable for a wide audience.

Performances

Sobhita Dhulipala delivers a powerful and confident performance as Sandhya. Her body language, expressive eyes, and controlled dialogue delivery elevate the character and make it highly believable. This role stands out as one of her most impactful performances and could open doors to more women-driven roles.

Vadlamani Srinivas surprises in a key role that marks a shift in his career trajectory. Chaitanya Krishna, Isha Chawla, and senior actor Suresh contribute strong supporting performances, adding emotional and narrative depth.

Technical Aspects

Cinematographer Mallikarjun effectively uses lighting and framing to enhance the thriller mood, though the DI could have been sharper in some portions. The production design deserves appreciation for realistically recreating crime scenes, investigation files, and visual details. Costumes are subtle and practical, aligning well with the characters.

Music

Sricharan Pakala’s background score is a major strength of the film. It heightens tension at crucial moments and maintains suspense throughout. The songs are minimal yet meaningful, blending smoothly into the narrative without disrupting the pace.

Editing

The editing stands out with fresh transitions and well-timed cuts synced to the background score. The crisp pacing ensures the film remains engaging without dragging, especially in investigative sequences.

Positives

• Strong women-centric narrative
• Sobhita Dhulipala’s confident performance
• Engaging writing and screenplay
• Effective background score
• Tasteful handling of violence
• Tight editing and gripping narration

Negatives

• DI could have been more refined
• Some predictable moments in the second half
• Limited scope for supporting characters

Analysis

Cheekatilo proves that Telugu thrillers can be intense without being excessive. Chandra Pemmaraju’s sharp writing, Sharan Koppisetty’s sensitive direction, and Sobhita Dhulipala’s commanding screen presence form the backbone of the film. The film avoids unnecessary glamour or shock value, focusing instead on storytelling, women empowerment, and realism.

Bottom Line: Stylish Thriller

Rating: 3.5 / 5