Prime Video Announces Worldwide Premiere of Telugu Original ‘Cheekatilo’ on January 23
Amazon Prime Video has confirmed the global premiere date for its latest Telugu Original film, Cheekatilo, a gripping crime suspense drama starring acclaimed actress Sobhita Dhulipala. The movie is scheduled to stream exclusively on the platform starting January 23, 2026, across India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Directed by Sharan Koppishetty (also credited as Sharan Kopishetty), the film is produced by D. Suresh Babu under the prestigious banner of Suresh Productions Pvt. Ltd.. The screenplay is co-written by Chandra Pemmaraju and the director. Cheekatilo will be available with audio in Telugu and subtitles in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Set against the vibrant yet shadowy backdrop of Hyderabad, the story centers on Sandhya (played by Dhulipala), a dedicated true crime podcaster whose investigation into the mysterious death of her intern uncovers a disturbing series of brutal crimes and hidden secrets plaguing the city. The narrative blends high-stakes suspense with emotional depth, exploring themes of resilience, justice, and sisterhood.
The film features Viswadev Rachakonda in a lead role, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani, and Vadlamani Srinivas.
In a statement, Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals at Prime Video India, highlighted the platform’s commitment to bold, culturally rooted storytelling in the South Indian space. “At Prime Video, we remain committed to expanding our South Originals slate with stories that are bold, rooted, and creatively distinct,” he said. “While suspense and thriller are widely explored genres, our focus is on delivering unique narratives with emotional depth, something audiences strongly resonated with in our Telugu Original series Dhootha. Our upcoming Telugu Prime Original Cheekatilo reflects that vision.”
Madhok added that the film’s integration of modern storytelling elements like podcasts, combined with cultural authenticity, sets it apart. He expressed confidence that its universal themes will resonate with viewers beyond the Telugu-speaking audience, both in India and globally, while also strengthening Prime Video’s long-standing partnership with Suresh Productions.
Producer D. Suresh Babu described Cheekatilo as a layered emotional suspense drama that underscores the courage required to confront darkness and speak truth in society. “Working with Prime Video on this Prime Original has been a wonderful experience,” he noted. “The movie marks another milestone in our longstanding collaboration. We share a vision of championing unique, culturally rooted narratives with relatable characters that not only entertain but deeply engage viewers. With its haunting storyline and powerful performances, Cheekatilo promises an unforgettable and gripping journey.”
As audiences gear up for this direct-to-OTT release, Cheekatilo is poised to add another compelling title to Prime Video’s growing lineup of Telugu originals, following the success of previous thrillers in the genre.
The film premieres worldwide on Prime Video on January 23, 2026.