Prime Video’s latest Telugu Prime Original film ‘Cheekatilo’ has scripted a strong debut, emerging as the most-watched South Original movie on the platform in its first week of release. The edge-of-the-seat crime suspense premiered worldwide on January 23 and has since delivered record-breaking viewership, underlining the growing appetite for gripping regional stories with national appeal.

According to MoneyControl, ‘Cheekatilo’ recorded viewership across nearly 89 per cent of India’s pin codes during its launch week and trended strongly over the opening weekend. The film’s performance points to sustained engagement and highlights the increasing demand for female-led narratives that resonate beyond language barriers.

The success of ‘Cheekatilo’ further strengthens Prime Video’s positioning as a preferred destination for bold, character-driven storytelling from the South. The film’s strong national footprint reinforces the idea that compelling narratives rooted in local contexts can find wide audiences across India and globally.

Commenting on the milestone, Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video India, said the overwhelming response reflects the strong momentum of the platform’s South Originals slate and the rising popularity of powerful female-centric stories across regions and demographics. He noted that the crime suspense kept viewers hooked from start to finish, crediting its success to a gripping storyline, memorable performances and a clear creative vision. Madhok added that ‘Cheekatilo’ exemplifies how rooted, real-world stories are helping Prime Video establish itself as a home for bold, genre-driven narratives that empower creators.

Directed by Sharan Kopishetty, ‘Cheekatilo’ is produced by D. Suresh Babu under the banner of Suresh Productions Pvt. Ltd. The film is written by Chandra Pemmaraju and Sharan Kopishetty, and marks another notable addition to Prime Video’s expanding slate of South Originals.

With its record-setting opening week, ‘Cheekatilo’ not only sets a new benchmark for Telugu originals on the platform but also signals the growing influence of South Indian cinema in shaping India’s streaming landscape.