Review: Cheekatilo: Genuine But Not Powerful Enough

 

Movie: Cheekatilo
Rating: 2.75/5

Cast: Sobhita Dhulipala, Viswadev Rachakonda, Chaitanya Krishna, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani, Vadlamani Srinivas, Suresh, Ravindra Vijay, and others

Director: Sharan Koppiishetty

Produced By: D. Suresh Babu

Steaming On: Prime Video

Story:

Sandhya (Sobhita Dhulipala), a journalist who resigns after her channel chooses TRPs over ethics, starts her own podcast. When her colleague Bobby (Aditi Myakal) and her boyfriend are brutally murdered, she discovers a disturbing pattern of similar killings. Determined to uncover the truth, Sandhya investigates the case and shares her findings through her podcast Cheekatilo. The rest of the film follows her journey to identify the killer and how she and the police finally catch him.

Performances:

Sobhita Dhulipala is well-suited for the lead role and delivers an effective, convincing performance, especially in crucial emotional scenes. Viswadev Rachakonda is good as her supportive partner. Chaitanya Krishna and Esha Chawla are decent, while Jhansi and Aamani make an impact despite limited screen time. Vadlamani Srinivas performs well, while Suresh and Ravindra Vijay have little scope to perform. The rest of the supporting cast fits their roles appropriately.

What Works:

Cheekatilo is built on a strong premise, exploring how society views sexual abuse and molestation. The film is effective when it highlights systemic failures and the way victims are often blamed instead of supported. Scenes where Sandhya discusses victim shaming with a family member, or when she confronts patriarchal pressures on women, are powerful and well-executed. The scene where Sandhya feels that she is unintentionally hurting the victims is also good. The suspense around the killer’s identity is maintained until the end, and Sandhya’s closure: reclaiming a space where she once felt unsafe adds depth to her journey.

What Doesn’t Work:

The film struggles when it shifts into the crime thriller zone. There is little tension about the killer’s next victims, and Sandhya’s personal risk is not explored fully. The police investigation feels routine, and some characters appear only for shock value without adding much to the story. Another flaw is the inconsistency in the killer’s portrayal, and he is shown as methodical and precise, yet at one point leaves obvious clues. Finally, the climax lacks impact, as the punishment of the predator does not deliver the satisfying punch audiences expect.

Cheekatilo Review and Verdict:

Sharan Koppiishetty's Cheekatilo is a crime thriller that aims to be honest while delivering a more in-depth message. Sobhita Dhulipala delivers a genuine performance, while the writing is impressive in several moments. Had it not been for the lackluster investigation parts and missing thrills, the film could have been more captivating. Even with an appropriate twist, the climax lacks the necessary impact.