Cheekatilo’ movie review: At a time when crime dramas often chase shock value, Cheekatilo takes a quieter, more introspective route. The Telugu Prime Video original, directed by Sharan Kopishetty, isn’t content with being a standard whodunnit. Instead, it attempts something more difficult and arguably more important — holding space for emotional wounds, suppressed voices, and the long shadows of unresolved trauma. That ambition is what makes Cheekatilo both compelling and, at times, frustrating.
Led by Sobhita Dhulipala in one of her most grounded performances to date, the film positions itself as a crime drama on the surface, but its heart lies firmly in social commentary. The darkness hinted at in the title, which translates to “In the Darkness,” isn’t merely visual. It’s emotional, psychological, and deeply personal.
Cheekatilo Movie Review: A Crime Story Wrapped in Emotional Silence
At the centre of this Cheekatilo’ movie review is Sandhya Nelluri, played with restraint and intensity by Sobhita Dhulipala. Sandhya hosts a crime-focused television show but finds herself increasingly uncomfortable with how real-life trauma is packaged into sensational content. Her moral resistance puts her on a collision course with her channel’s management, setting up an early conflict between truth and ratings.
Does the film judge sensational media culture? Yes, but subtly. Instead of sermons, Cheekatilo uses awkward silences and restrained dialogue to make its point. Sandhya isn’t loud or dramatic; she’s quietly persistent. Small details — her background in criminology, her discomfort with spectacle, her methodical questioning — build a character who feels believable rather than heroic.
The storytelling deliberately unfolds at a measured pace. Director Sharan Kopishetty, who co-wrote the film with Chandra Pemmaraju, allows conversations to breathe. Pauses often say more than words. For some viewers, this restraint will feel refreshing. For others craving fast-paced thrills, it might test patience.
Visual Storytelling and Atmosphere: Darkness as a Metaphor
One of the strongest elements highlighted in this Cheekatilo’ movie review is its visual language. Cinematographer Mallikarjun keeps the film enveloped in shadows, even during scenes set in daylight. This isn’t accidental. The low-lit frames mirror the emotional fog surrounding survivors of violence — a world where clarity arrives slowly, if at all.
Is the darkness ever overdone? Occasionally, yes. There are moments where the visual mood risks becoming monotonous. Still, the intent is clear and mostly effective: Cheekatilo wants viewers to feel unsettled, not exhilarated.
The sound design and background score complement this mood, choosing restraint over excess. Silence is often as important as music, reinforcing the film’s emotional weight.
Cheekatilo Movie Review: Performances That Carry the Narrative
Sobhita Dhulipala’s performance is the backbone of Cheekatilo, and this Cheekatilo’ movie review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging how much the film rests on her shoulders. She sheds any lingering glamour to inhabit Sandhya as an everyday woman navigating difficult moral terrain. Her Telugu dialogue delivery is precise, and her emotional control adds authenticity to the role.
Vishwadev Rachakonda, as Amar, provides a gentle counterbalance. His character, who transitions from an IT background to running a café, isn’t over-explained — and that works. Their relationship unfolds through economical conversations, giving Amar an easy warmth that grounds Sandhya when her investigation becomes overwhelming.
Supporting performances add texture rather than distraction. Chaitanya Krishna and Ravindra Vijay make efficient use of their limited screen time, while Aamani’s brief appearance introduces a moment of tenderness that lingers longer than expected.
Jhansi deserves special mention. Playing Sandhya’s mother, she embodies a mindset rooted in fear and social conformity — urging silence to avoid shame. The irony of her real-life activism only adds depth to her screen presence. Her performance feels uncomfortable in the best possible way.
Does the Mystery Deliver? A Measured, Uneven Payoff
From a pure genre perspective, this Cheekatilo’ movie review must acknowledge where the film stumbles. The investigative portions, while competently staged, follow familiar patterns. Reopened files, recurring crime motifs, and misleading leads tick the usual boxes but rarely surprise.
The final reveal is where expectations may falter. Instead of letting clues accumulate organically, the film introduces a new narrative layer late in the game to explain motive. While the backstory is unsettling, its reliance on a medical explanation feels convenient rather than inevitable. The resolution leaves an emotional impact, but it doesn’t fully land as a thrilling payoff.
Is Cheekatilo a failure as a whodunnit? Not entirely. But it’s clear the film is more invested in how crime affects lives than in delivering jaw-dropping twists.
Final Verdict: Cheekatilo’ Movie Review in a Nutshell
Cheekatilo is a thoughtful, empathetic crime drama that values emotional truth over genre fireworks. This Cheekatilo’ movie review finds the film most effective when it leans into intimate moments rather than procedural mechanics. Strong performances, especially from Sobhita Dhulipala, elevate material that could have benefited from tighter writing and a more confident climax.
For viewers seeking a fast-paced thriller, Cheekatilo may feel restrained. But for those willing to sit with discomfort and reflection, it offers a quietly powerful experience. It may not shout, but it does leave a lingering echo — and sometimes, that’s far more unsettling.
