Flower wreaths, anklets and sexual assault marks at the crime scene. Multiple murders linked to a pattern. Sounds like the work of a serial killer, doesn’t it? Prime Video’s Chikatilo, starring Shobhita Dhulipala, is a thrilling crime thriller that tells the story of a crime journalist who is determined to tell real-life crime stories. In the process, he discovers a disturbing truth behind a serial rapist who still walks free. The level of psychological thriller in Indian cinema is now going global and the latest example is the film ‘Chikatilo’ (In the Dark). Led by versatile actress Shobhita Dhulipala, the film is a cat-and-mouse race that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Story: Night of Fear and Survival
The story of the film revolves around Ananya (Shobhita Dhulipala), an investigative journalist. While solving the mystery of the mysterious murders taking place in the city, Ananya unwittingly comes in contact with a serial killer who is adept at exploiting the darkness. Soon Ananya realizes that she is not just covering the news, but she herself has become the next target of this predator. Most of the film was shot in one night and in a deserted location. The title ‘Chikatilo’ perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the film, where shadows and silence create more fear than humans.
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Performance: Shobhita Dhulipala shines
Shobhita Dhulipala, known for her stellar performances in Made in Heaven and The Night Manager, has given perhaps the most physically and emotionally demanding performance ever. Shobhita shows Ananya’s transformation from paralyzing fear to rage to escape with incredible faith. Although the serial killer’s identity is concealed for most of the film, the actor playing the villain gives a menacing, calm and creative performance that is a stark contrast to Shobhita’s high-energy frenzy.
Technically excellent
The film’s strength lies in its technical execution, which makes up for the lack of a straightforward rescue plot.
Cinematography: The camera work is very close and moving, giving the audience the feeling of being a silent spectator in the dark corridors.
Sound Design: In several scenes, the background music is replaced by the sound of footsteps, doors slamming or loud breathing, which heightens the suspense.
Direction: The director keeps a tight grip on the pace of the film, making the 110-minute runtime feel like a non-stop race.