N※N

"Cheekatilo X" Disappoints Viewers Despite Star Power

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. lo-x-disappoints-viewers-despite-star-power.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 12:19 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locales: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Hyderabad, India - January 31st, 2026 - Sobhita Dhulipala's highly anticipated crime thriller, 'Cheekatilo X', released on Disney+ Hotstar this week, has landed with a thud, according to a significant segment of online viewers. While the film boasts a well-known cast including Dhulipala and Sai Dharam Tej, initial reactions point towards a narrative deemed "predictable" and "ordinary," leaving many questioning whether the film lives up to its potential.

The Telugu-language film centers around a series of unsettling events and a complex conspiracy that the protagonists attempt to unravel. The premise, while promising, appears to be the primary point of contention. Numerous social media users have voiced their disappointment, citing a lack of originality and a predictable plot that fails to deliver genuine suspense.

"It's a shame, really," says film critic Anika Verma. "Sobhita Dhulipala is a tremendously talented actress. She consistently elevates her projects, and while her performance in 'Cheekatilo X' is reportedly strong, she seems to be carrying the weight of a weak script. It's a classic case of good acting being undermined by uninspired writing."

The criticism isn't solely directed at the storyline. Performances from co-stars Sai Dharam Tej and Vishnu Raj have also come under fire, with many viewers suggesting their contributions didn't resonate effectively. Several commentators have observed that the supporting cast doesn't add significant depth to the narrative, further contributing to the film's overall flatness.

Social media is abuzz with reactions, with the hashtag #CheekatiloX trending negatively on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. A common sentiment is that the film simply doesn't offer anything new to the crowded crime thriller genre. Users have posted comments like: "Predictable and very ordinary film. The performances were good but the story was a snooze fest. #CheekatiloX" and "The movie is a below average thriller that has nothing new to offer. #CheekatiloX."

The most pointed criticism is reserved for director Sharan Koppisetty. Many viewers are actively advising him to reassess his directorial choices, hoping he will refine his approach in future projects. "Sharan Koppisetty needs to re-evaluate his directorial approach. The movie could have been so much better. #CheekatiloX," reads one widely shared post.

This isn't the first time a Telugu film has faced such scrutiny. The Telugu film industry, known as Tollywood, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, but that success also brings increased expectations. Audiences are becoming more discerning and demand compelling, innovative storytelling.

Industry analysts suggest that the failure of 'Cheekatilo X' to resonate with audiences could be attributed to several factors. A reliance on tired tropes, a lack of strong character development, and a failure to build genuine suspense are all potential contributing elements. The fact that it's a streaming release may also play a role - viewers have a vast array of options at their fingertips and are quick to move on from content that doesn't immediately grab their attention.

Looking ahead, the future of crime thrillers in Tollywood seems bright, but the industry needs to focus on originality and strong narratives. The success of pan-Indian films like 'Drishyam' and 'Karthikeya 2' demonstrate that audiences are receptive to well-crafted thrillers that offer something unique. 'Cheekatilo X' serves as a cautionary tale: even with established stars, a lackluster script can ultimately undermine a film's potential. It remains to be seen if Sharan Koppisetty will heed the call for a reassessment of his directorial style and deliver a stronger vision in his future projects.