Sun Jan 25 14:40:00 UTC 2026: # “Cheekatilo” on Prime Video: A Crime Drama with Social Commentary, Elevated by Sobhita Dhulipala’s Performance

The Story:
“Cheekatilo (In the Darkness),” a Telugu film directed by Sharan Kopishetty, premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The film, starring Sobhita Dhulipala, is described as a crime drama at its surface, but at its core, it tackles social issues and gives voice to those who have been silenced. The review highlights Dhulipala’s strong performance and the film’s cinematography, which uses darkness to create a sense of unease and reflect the characters’ emotional states. However, the review finds the investigative elements somewhat lacking and the final reveal underwhelming.

Key Points:

  • The film is a Prime Video original Telugu film directed by Sharan Kopishetty.
  • Sobhita Dhulipala plays the lead role of Sandhya Nelluri, a television crime show anchor.
  • The film explores themes of social commentary, urging silenced voices to speak and heal.
  • The cinematography emphasizes a dark, moody atmosphere, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles.
  • The review praises Sobhita Dhulipala‘s performance but finds the investigative aspects and the final reveal to be somewhat weak.
  • Vishwadev Rachakonda plays Amar, Sandhya’s love interest.
  • Other actors like Jhansi Laxmi, Ravindra Vijay, Chaitanya Krishna and Aamani are featured.

Key Takeaways:

  • “Cheekatilo” aims to blend crime drama with social commentary, a potentially compelling combination.
  • Sobhita Dhulipala‘s performance is a major strength of the film, suggesting she is becoming a significant figure in Telugu cinema, especially with roles that move beyond glamor.
  • While the film has potential, the review suggests that the writing could have been sharper, particularly in the investigative elements and the resolution.
  • The film addresses the impact of violence on individuals and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
  • The film’s release on Amazon Prime Video makes it accessible to a wide audience.

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