Cheekatilo Review: A Well‑Intentioned Thriller That Struggles to Fully Deliver
Cheekatilo Review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
Cheekatilo, starring Sobhita Dhulipala, is an ambitious crime thriller that aims to explore serious social themes through the lens of a gripping investigation. While the film often looks and sounds impressive, it doesn’t completely fulfil the promise of its strong premise, leaving viewers with a sense of having watched something important yet uneven.
The story centres on Sandhya Nelluri (Sobhita Dhulipala), a true‑crime podcaster and investigative journalist who becomes personally involved when a close friend is found murdered under mysterious circumstances. Sobhita presents Sandhya in a deliberately natural manner, portraying her as an everyday Telugu woman, dressed in simple cotton churidars, golden jhumkas and a red bindi on her forehead. Set in and around Hyderabad and the Godavari region, the narrative interweaves a serial killer plot with broader questions about society’s attitude towards abuse, victim‑blaming and institutional failure. Sandhya’s pursuit of truth and justice forms the heart of the film, driving the investigation beyond the official lines of police procedure and into uncomfortable territory.
From the outset, Cheekatilo is technically assured. The director, Sharan Koppisetty, and his team have crafted a visually polished thriller with atmospheric cinematography, sharp production design and an evocative score that supports the mood rather than overwhelms it. Scenes of the investigation, from tense interviews to probing discussions about trauma and survival, are shot with clarity and intention, instilling the film with a palpable sense of place and urgency.
Dhulipala’s performance is one of the film’s strongest assets. Her portrayal of Sandhya balances quiet resolve with emotional depth, giving the protagonist a believable core even when the plot bends under pressure. She avoids caricature, opting instead for a grounded, thoughtful depiction of a woman shaped by curiosity and a desire to question assumptions. Her internal journey, from reporter to determined seeker of truth, is the film’s most compelling dimension.
Yet where Cheekatilo shows its limitations is in its storytelling structure and pacing. The narrative begins with promise, drawing viewers into the mystery and raising questions about power, protection and accountability. But as the plot unfolds, the screenplay struggles to maintain momentum. Key revelations and character developments are resolved too quickly or with insufficient build‑up, blunting their emotional impact. The climax, in particular, feels rushed, tying up complex themes with simplistic closure rather than nuanced insight.
Another challenge lies in the film’s handling of its social commentary. Cheekatilo does not shy away from critiquing patriarchal attitudes or the casual cruelty women face. It highlights how victims are often judged more harshly than perpetrators and how silence can enable harm. These themes are significant and worthy of exploration. However, at times the execution comes across as both heavy‑handed and inconsistent. Some scenarios intended to shock feel repetitious, while others strain credibility, as if they serve the plot rather than arise organically from character motives.
Supporting performances are mixed. A handful of actors bring warmth and subtlety to secondary roles, but many are left underdeveloped. This leaves Sandhya’s world populated by figures who feel more like narrative devices than fully realised people, further weakening the emotional stakes.
Despite these shortcomings, Cheekatilo merits attention. It reflects a growing appetite in Indian cinema for stories that combine genre intensity with social relevance. The film does not shy away from tough questions, even if it does not always answer them with the precision or depth they deserve. For viewers interested in crime dramas that step beyond mere plot mechanics to probe cultural and psychological themes, Cheekatilo offers substance worth engaging with.
Cheekatilo Review: The film is a polished, thoughtful effort that falters in execution. It excels when it stays close to Sandhya’s internal logic and the repercussions of silence and violence in society. But when the narrative rushes or leans on familiar thriller tropes, its impact lessens. While not entirely successful, Cheekatilo signals a noteworthy attempt to merge entertainment with meaningful reflection.
