I just walked out of the theater for 'Cheekatilo' and honestly, I'm still processing it. My coffee's getting cold because I keep replaying certain scenes in my head. I wasn't expecting much with that 4.7 rating floating around, but something about this thriller got under my skin. That final confrontation scene - I can still hear the tension in the silence before the dialogue. I feel oddly energized, like I witnessed something raw and imperfect but strangely compelling. It's not a perfect film, but it left me with this unsettled feeling that's sticking around.
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What's Cheekatilo About?
The movie follows Sandhya, a crime anchor played by Sobhita Dhulipala, whose world cracks when her best friend dies under mysterious circumstances. What starts as a personal quest for answers pulls her into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront a past she'd rather forget. It's essentially about a woman finding her voice while digging through layers of secrets and trauma, set against a backdrop of media and crime.
What Works in Cheekatilo
- ✓ Sobhita Dhulipala's performance in the interrogation scene - her controlled rage felt so real and personal, I forgot I was watching an actor.
- ✓ The cinematography in the rainy night sequences created a genuinely claustrophobic and tense atmosphere that pulled me right in.
- ✓ The core concept of a crime journalist investigating her friend's death felt fresh and had real potential for emotional depth.
- ✓ A few cleverly placed red herrings kept me guessing for a good portion of the second act, which I always appreciate.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The pacing in the middle section dragged noticeably; there was a 15-minute stretch where I checked my watch, which is never a good sign.
- ✗ Some of the dialogue, especially from the supporting police characters, felt clunky and exposition-heavy, breaking the immersion.
- ✗ A key plot twist in the third act felt rushed and underdeveloped, relying more on shock than on earned narrative logic.
Standout Moments & Performances
Two scenes won't leave me. First, a quiet moment where Sandhya is just sitting in her friend's empty apartment, not crying, just staring. The emptiness in that scene hit me harder than any dramatic outburst could. Second, a chase sequence through a crowded market - it was chaotic and visceral, shot with shaky cam that actually worked for once, making me feel her panic. And finally, a simple close-up on Sandhya's face during a live broadcast where you see the exact moment her fear turns into steely resolve. That silent transformation was powerful.
Main Cast: Sobhita Dhulipala, Vishwadev Rachakonda, Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Isha Chawla, Jhansi
Direction, Music & Visuals
Director Sharan Koppisetty shows clear ambition. The visual style is gritty, favoring muted colors and tight frames that amplify the unease. The score, however, was a mixed bag - sometimes it enhanced the tension beautifully, other times it was overly dramatic and intrusive. Sobhita Dhulipala carries the film with a nuanced performance; her micro-expressions in close-ups tell a whole story. Vishwadev Rachakonda is solid but feels underutilized. The editing could have been tighter, especially in transitional scenes that lingered too long. Overall, the technical craft feels earnest but inconsistent.
Director: Sharan Koppisetty
Genres: Thriller
Who Should Watch Cheekatilo?
If you're a fan of slow-burn, character-driven thrillers and can overlook some narrative flaws for a strong central performance, you might connect with this. It's for viewers who appreciate when a film tries to grapple with trauma and resilience, even if the execution is a bit messy. Fans of Sobhita Dhulipala will definitely want to see her in this gritty role.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a tightly plotted, fast-paced action-thriller with clean resolutions, this isn't it. The pacing issues and occasional melodrama might frustrate viewers who prefer more polished and conventionally entertaining narratives.
Final Verdict
Look, 'Cheekatilo' is a flawed film. The pacing stumbles, and the script needed another polish. But here's the thing - its heart is in the right place, and Sobhita's performance alone makes it a worthwhile watch for me. It's the kind of movie that stays with you because of its raw emotional core, not its technical perfection. I wouldn't watch it again tomorrow, but I'm glad I saw it. I'd recommend it with clear caveats - go for the performance and the mood, not for a flawless thriller.
