Prime Video on Thursday unveiled the first look of its upcoming Telugu Original film Cheekatilo, starring Sobhita Dhulipala in the lead. The suspense crime drama is set to premiere globally on the streaming platform on January 23, the service officially confirmed.
What Happened?
Prime Video India shared the first-look poster of Cheekatilo on its official social media handles, offering audiences a glimpse into the dark, unsettling world of the film. The poster features Sobhita Dhulipala in an intense and intriguing avatar, hinting at a narrative steeped in mystery and emotional depth.
Accompanying the poster, Prime Video’s caption read: “Before the night creeps in, Sandhya arrives. Brace for an impact. #CheekatiloOnPrime, New Movie, Jan 23.” The announcement confirmed that the Telugu crime thriller will debut exclusively on the platform later this month.
Official Confirmation or Sources
Cheekatilo is described as a suspense-driven crime drama set against the backdrop of Hyderabad. The story centres on Sandhya, a true crime podcaster portrayed by Sobhita Dhulipala, whose pursuit of truth takes a dangerous turn following the unexplained death of her intern.
As Sandhya digs deeper, she uncovers a chilling chain of crimes that exposes some of the city’s darkest secrets. Prime Video has positioned the film as a “layered” and “emotionally charged” thriller that blends investigation with social commentary.
Producer D. Suresh Babu, in an official statement, said, “Cheekatilo is a layered, emotional suspense drama. What’s close to my heart is how it explores the courage to confront darkness and speak the truth—something we need more of in society today.”
He also confirmed that the film will premiere globally on Prime Video on January 23.
Jay-Ho! Insight
Cheekatilo marks another significant collaboration between Prime Video and veteran producer D. Suresh Babu, reinforcing the platform’s continued investment in strong, culturally rooted Telugu storytelling. The project also adds to Sobhita Dhulipala’s growing body of work in complex, female-led narratives across languages.
The choice of a true crime podcaster as the protagonist taps into the rising popularity of investigative journalism and true crime content, particularly among streaming audiences. By setting the story in Hyderabad, the film grounds its suspense in a familiar urban landscape while exploring universal themes of justice, fear, and moral courage.
Prime Video has increasingly leaned into genre-driven originals, and Cheekatilo fits squarely within its strategy of offering locally rooted stories with global appeal.
Public or Fan Reaction
The first-look poster has sparked curiosity across social media, with fans praising Sobhita Dhulipala’s intense screen presence and the film’s dark visual tone. Many viewers have expressed interest in seeing the actor take on a character-driven investigative role, particularly within a Telugu crime thriller format.
The tagline and visual mood have also led to early discussion around the film’s psychological and suspense elements.
What’s Next?
With its release just weeks away, Cheekatilo is expected to receive further promotional material, including a trailer, in the coming days. The film will stream exclusively on Prime Video from January 23, making it accessible to audiences in India and worldwide.
Jay-Ho! will update this story as more details emerge.
