Cheekatilo Review : A sincere crime thriller anchored by Sobhita Dhulipala

Storyline

Sandhya (Sobhita Dhulipala) is a journalist who quits her job after becoming disillusioned with TRP-driven media ethics. She launches her own podcast, Cheekatilo, aiming to uncover hidden truths. When her colleague Bobby (Aditi Myakal) and Bobby’s boyfriend are brutally murdered, Sandhya begins investigating and soon notices a disturbing pattern connecting several similar crimes. With the support of Amar (Vishwadev Rachakonda), she digs deeper, revealing buried trauma and secrets. Who is behind these murders and what drives them forms the crux of the narrative.

Positives

Sobhita Dhulipala delivers a sincere and restrained performance, effectively portraying a woman grappling with unresolved trauma and moral conflict.

Vishwadev Rachakonda makes an impact despite limited screen time.

The makers wisely keep the identity of the antagonist hidden until the pre-climax.

The emotional arc from pre-climax to climax works reasonably well.

Aamani performs effectively in her brief role, while Vadlamani Srinivas appears in a refreshing character shade.

Negatives

The biggest drawback is the lack of sustained tension, which is crucial for a crime thriller.

The narrative progresses in a flat manner, rarely creating urgency or anticipation.

The police investigation feels artificial and lacks seriousness.

The sudden popularity of Sandhya’s podcast is not convincingly established.

Supporting characters, including those played by Ravindra Vijay, Jhansi, Suresh, and Vishwadev, are underdeveloped.

Repetitive scenes slow down the pace and make the film feel stagnant at times.

Technicalities

Srikanth Pakala’s background score attempts to elevate tension, but the impact is limited due to weak writing. KSN’s editing is decent, though tighter trimming could have improved pacing. Mallikarjun’s cinematography suits the dark tone of the story. Production values are adequate. Director Sharan Koppishetty, along with co-writer Chandra Pemmaraju, presents a familiar concept in a modern setup, but inconsistent execution holds it back.

Rating 2.75/5

Final Verdict

Cheekatilo works in parts and benefits from Sobhita Dhulipala’s committed performance and a relevant underlying message. However, the lack of gripping tension, repetitive storytelling, and uneven execution prevent it from becoming a truly engaging crime thriller. Worth a watch for thriller enthusiasts, but with tempered expectations.

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