Original subtitles

You danced really well.

If you accept our MRO’s offer

and come to our guest house once a week, you will get more work.

- Please stop here. - Hey! Stop the car.

You go home, I’ll come soon.

To the guest house!

Lachi, are you up?

Hey, Lachi?

Huh!

Lachi...

Sir, Lachi...

RAMACHANDRAPURAM POLICE STATION

- Sir? - Hey! Get out!

What nonsense! You should’ve taken the money and shut up.

- Why come here? - At least, take my complaint.

I’m not filing anything! Leave!

Idiots! Nothing gets through to them.

- Good morning! - Good morning.

Looks like you got late today.

Yes, Dad, I got pretty late today.

- Bye. - Bye.

[Praying]

Here, take the arti. And vermilion.

Oh my!

Stew again?

I’m bored of eating the same again and again.

Sure. You are never tired of bread. But home food is very boring.

Hi.

Booh!

What’s up?

Same reaction every day!

How?

What consistency!

Why didn’t you answer my call yesterday? Were you busy?

Sister, I have a happening life. You wouldn’t get it.

But why did you call?

Did they approve the material we sent yesterday?

LOL! What difference does it make?

In the end, we'll just do what they want.

Sister. Wake up!

Let’s start a podcast. We’ll be our own bosses.

We can shoot it the way we want.

I’ll gather the information, okay?

Let’s be partners?

Sister!

Ready! Silence!

Three, two, one! Go!

Welcome to ‘Idi Ghoram!’

Nephew fancies aunt, kills uncle.

How did liking lead to murder?

The reason? Love.

It is natural for a nephew to be fond of his aunt.

But what if this goes too far?

What if a line is crossed?

What if the intimacy gets under the blanket...

- Sir, this is not my script. - Cut, cut!

Madam, Mr. Ravikanth has okayed this script.

There’s no time. Go ahead. Read what’s written there.

Let’s address your concerns later. Please! Go ahead.

NAVYA TV

I’ve been working here for four years.

I’m a qualified journalist, sir.

Who denied it?

Then let me do my job, sir.

What we narrate are not simple stories!

A life was lost in each crime.

We should make people aware of it.

“Love led to kissing. Got into the blanket.”

What are we doing?

That’s enough, Sandhya.

I’m not gonna take it anymore.

Madam, coffee.

Hey.

Drink.

They’re special beans from Bali.

Why are you worried?

You didn’t like the job and you quit. Why think so much about it?

You made your choice.

How many can do that?

Look at me. I traded my IT job for a coffee shop.

You know, we get tense during the end of the month when we have to pay our EMIs.

And out of that comes passion...

Amar, please don’t try to motivate me.

I'm not in the mood.

Okay.

Nice.

What are you planning to do next?

I want to start a podcast.

Yes, yes.

Finally! I knew it.

I can be my own boss. And I’ll have control over the material.

I think I’ll do it.

Go ahead! What are you waiting for?

You need a team or something?

- Hmm... - Huh?

I don’t think I’d need a team. Just a mic and a laptop.

But I’d need a partner to collect the material.

Ideally, someone with two years of internship experience.

- Where would I find someone? - Thank you, sister.

Congrats, Bobby! Coffee is on you today.

Sister! Cut it from my salary.

Okay. Bye, guys.

Hey, don’t forget my earrings.

Which earrings?

I lent you gold earrings last week, right?

I’ll send you the pic.

Okay, okay.

- Bye, Bobby! - Bye.

Now that the podcast partner is set, shall we confirm my post as your husband?

Tsk! Crack the interview first. We'll decide after tomorrow.

Sure.

Why this in the time of blow dryers! My eyes are burning.

Close your eyes then.

Did I say anything about caste?

Didn’t I stay silent?

And he’s two years younger.

Nobody cared about my concerns!

Okay, Grandma, we’ll go without you.

Ah! Why wouldn’t I come?

Didn’t Priyanka marry Nick Jackson?

Didn’t Tendulkar marry Anjali?

No option other than going with the trend.

We should update ourselves.

- Aren’t you ready yet? - Done.

- Make it fast, Mother-in-law. - Five minutes.

Wear these bangles. Put flowers in her hair.

Try to behave like a girl for once.

Didn’t I get you huge earrings? Why are you wearing these small ones?

She’s not answering!

- Who? - Bobby.

Doesn’t she live nearby? Go, get them.

When did she ever wake up early!

Let it be. It’s getting late.

What’s with the odd behavior?

Mom asked me to act shy.

Why don’t you do what suits you?

Don’t you dare.

Aunty, you didn’t have to.

Oh dear! This is to welcome you to the house.

Take this. Wear it.

Liked it?

Can I come with you to your set?

I've never been on set before.

Hmm. Sure.

We can invite your friends, too.

Female friendships take a backseat after marriage.

I married young, before I really had a chance to build deep friendships.

Then I had Amar, and I started taking care of him.

Time flew by.

I’ll stay with you after marriage, right? Let's be friends.

We'll take our leave.

I was worried that they belong to a different caste.

But it's a good family.

That’s Sandhya’s selection.

Sir...

Madam!

It’s Bobby Madam!

Madam.

You should come, it's urgent.

Urgent, madam.

- By the time I came to work... - Sandhya, wait.

I don’t understand what’s happening.

- Wait! - Please come here!

- Here, madam. - Wait.

- Alivelu. - Sandhya, wait.

Sandhya! Where are you going?

Sandhya, wait.

Two killed in the Brindavan colony last night.

The couple were lost in romance when a stranger attacked them.

He raped the girl and killed them.

Police investigation is going on.

The investigating officer is here. Let’s hear from him.

- Sir, tell us, what’s happening? - One second.

- Sir, do you have suspects? - Move, move.

Sir...

Hey, who are you?

Irfan! Don’t you know you shouldn’t contaminate the crime scene?

Sir.

Send them out.

Ma’am, please.

The sooner we get the postmortem report, the better.

Okay, sir.

- For safety, call the toxicology team too. - Sure, sir.

Wow, wow, wow.

Look at that, sir.

Alcohol and sex! And then blame the evil.

- The police are at work... - You can see the investigation is on...

- Check everything thoroughly. - Sure, sir.

Updated the family?

Informed them, sir. They are on the way.

She is the first person to report the crime.

- Were you the first to see it? - No, the maid did.

Then what are you doing here?

Bobby is my friend.

She is the anchor of the TV show “Idi Ghoram”.

Oh!

Do you cover real crime too?

We have a case to solve. Please leave.

Or how can you run the show?

Sir...

Did you find any clues? How did the murders happen?

- One by one. - Sir.

The calendar dates changed, but what about the police mindset?

So much has been happening, but they don't seem to care.

What are they up to?

Will this case go unnoticed just like the others?

- Sir. - Yes?

What's going on, Rajeev?

Who’s leaking it to the media?

Better clear everything right away!

- Yes, sir. - Go ahead.

Hmm.

Damn.

Didn’t expect this to happen.

Wish we hadn't gone out of town that day.

Irfan...

- Check the CCTV footage. - Sure, sir.

The forensic reports are early.

- Sandhya, right? - Yes, sir.

It will take time to solve the case.

If you stop live-tracking me, I will do my job.

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Madam, sir wants to see you.

I know you quit. It was an angry decision.

You have been the star face of “Idi Ghoram”.

That's the impact you left.

Join back, Sandhya.

Any problem you face, we will figure it out.

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This is what my problem is!

Bobby was not just my friend.

She was a face you saw every day.

Is she just a sensational news article for you?

How are we different from such insensitive news shows?

Where is the empathy?

You’re right! All this is for TRP.

But, Sandhya, let me ask you a question.

Do the people want to watch the show I telecast?

Or am I showing it because I understand my audience?

Which is correct?

For me, more TRP means more money.

More TRP means more popularity for you.

And what’s your plan after this?

I am starting a podcast.

You want to leave this show for a podcast? Who will listen to it?

I don’t care about the numbers. I want to talk about true crime.

That’s my goal.

Welcome to “Cheekatilo” (In the Dark).

A podcast exploring true-crime stories.

Bobby was my intern.

She considered me her elder sister.

She was full of energy.

She dreamed big. Had so much she wanted to achieve.

She pushed me to do this podcast.

I’m doing it now. But she’s not around to listen to it.

As soon as we entered the crime scene...

I was shocked and wondered who could do it.

I thought I knew her well.

But I didn’t know about her boyfriend.

I had no idea that their love story would end so abruptly.

From my observation at the crime scene, Bobby’s necklace was missing.

I checked it with the police too.

This was our last photo together.

The earrings and chain are missing from the body.

Have they been located at home or the crime scene?

Sir, look at this.

We have no reports that the necklace is missing.

Was it a forced entry?

We have checked the entry points.

No forced entry.

But, there were so many valuables in the house.

He took only the necklace?

Looks like a last-minute thought.

Did you find any other evidence?

Where did you find this?

This mud footprint was found on the back wall.

Can’t profile the criminal based on this.

Watchman?

We asked watchman Jogulu’s wife about him.

We got to know that he was missing since the murder!

This isn’t a jilted lover’s act.

Nor is it a crime of passion.

It was a well-planned and well-executed murder.

No matter how big the criminal is, he makes a mistake.

The mistake gets him caught.

Sir!

Get in!

Sir, I didn't do it. Please let me go.

Bobby's case isn't just news.

It's a wake-up call for all of us.

This is Sandhya Nelluri, signing off.

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You did what you could, Sandhya!

You found her killer. You gave her life a closure.

What you said on the show was nonsense.

These are my daughters.

Other students at her college say that she is a rapist’s daughter.

They’re asking if he did the same with her.

We were fired and asked to leave!

Didn’t you say he was the killer?

What he did was wrong.

He stole the necklace.

It was okay to punish him for stealing.

But the whole family is being punished for a crime he didn’t commit!

Mom, let’s go!

Your ancestors were the Rao Bahadurs.

But your father lost everything to gambling and barely held onto this house.

When I was newly married...

Stop it, Grandma.

Why are you frustrated?

Hello.

Hello?

Names are very important to people, right?

Who are you? What do you want?

You!

What a beautiful name you have.

The first ray that lights up the sky. Sandhya.

You did great explaining Bobby’s death!

The story is good.

It would have been better if it were true.

True crime stories.

If you really want to bring out the truth, I’ll give you another chance.

I’ll take another life soon. In the dark.

Can you bring my name to light, Sandhya?

- Jogulu’s case hearing is tomorrow, right? - Yes.

- Did you get the time? - Yes, sir.

- Submit everything properly. - Done, sir.

I got a strange call from an unknown number.

I recorded the call.

Listen to this.

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- Irfan, trace the call. - Okay, sir.

Sir, slow down.

Location ends here.

- Irfan. - Sir.

Are you the one who called?

He called from an old lady's phone.

She can’t see properly.

This is not random, Sandhya.

He is ahead.

He’s definitely not dumb.

We’re dealing with a very dangerous criminal.

A stranger calls to say he’ll kill someone and you start packing your bags?

Answer me!

I have already told you twice.

Tell me a hundred times. I didn’t understand what you said.

And, haven’t you informed the police already?

You could at least ask for security?

I have explained that twice too.

Amar...

The police have not found the person yet.

Oh my god!

- Sandhya! Wait! - Sandhya!

Don’t be so stubborn.

Aunty...

Don’t worry. I will take care of her.

I'll call you regularly. I'll watch over her.

OK, bye. Careful.

Her father is never home when we need him!

She’s getting too stubborn!

Sorry for getting you involved in this.

I have no problem with getting involved.

Where are we going anyway?

I had one more phone call this morning.

Is this Ms. Sandhya?

Tell me.

My name is Vani. I heard your podcast yesterday.

I’m a victim, just like Bobby.

Where do you live?

What? Are we going to meet Vani?

This must be the tiffin center.

I'm looking for Vani.

- Mom! - Yes! Coming.

I'm Sandhya.

We could have talked over the phone.

I felt this was something we should discuss in person.

Sorry for asking you to come all this way.

It’s fine.

You said you went through the same thing as Bobby.

Can you give me more details?

It was the ‘Atlataddi’ festival.

I went home after praying for my husband’s long life.

Oh, my baby! What happened, baby?

Hey, who are you? Let go of me!

After he raped me, he put jasmines in my hair and was about to kill me.

He heard the baby cry, got scared, and fled.

Didn’t you file a police report?

No.

I told my husband what happened... and he drove me out of the house.

If my own husband wouldn't stand by me, what's the point of telling the police?

Such incidents were common in the district back then.

The police never responded.

My son is the reason I’m alive. I’m living only for him.

That's my son Bose.

Not bad.

We can adjust.

I’ll go get dinner. What will you have?

I’m fine with anything.

Tell me, Sandhya.

I need your help.

Okay.

I need the Godavari district's rape case files from the last 20 years.

Can you coordinate with the local police?

I'm sending you a contact. He will help you.

But on one condition. Don't mention my name.

Sure. Thank you.

Rajeev sent me. Here are the files.

“This fear is mysterious”

“A search that never ends”

“In this darkness, move toward dawn”

“And continue the journey”

Oye.

- Coffee. - Thank you.

- Look at this... - One minute! Your mom’s calling.

Yes, aunty, tell me.

“You become an army”

“Because your pursuit is a storm”

Where is Rani and Lachi's home?

They used to live here, but they left.

Okay, okay. Coming.

Sandhya. We need to leave.

Sandhya!

Sorry. What did you say?

My dad is not well again. We have to leave.

What happened to him?

The reports are okay, but the doctor wants to see him.

Amar, if you don’t mind, can I stay for just one more day?

You always do this.

I sense something here. Just one day.

Okay, stay.

But be careful. Answer my calls.

I’ll handle your folks somehow.

Thank you.

“The air hisses like a venomous snake Hands tremble with fear”

“Unfading are the bitter memories When the heart overflows, it bursts”

“People without limits or morals Hide behind their masks”

“Cruel souls without compassion When death cries aloud”

“The unseen man remains invisible Searching for the demon’s trail”

“Hiding the wounds of the heart Yet your voice roars bravely”

“In this darkness, I move toward dawn”

“An endless journey continues”

Madam, we are here.

Whom are you looking for?

Lalitha, right?

I’ve come to discuss the case you filed.

May I come in?

I don’t know what you are talking about. Please leave.

Twenty years ago...

Sandhya?

I'm Chakravarthy, Lalitha’s uncle.

I wanted to talk to her about the case she filed,

- but she... - I know.

Lalitha called me as soon as you left.

It’s something from the past, but not easy to forget.

I didn’t mean to trouble her.

If I know what actually happened, I might be able to save someone else.

What happened?

It was Diwali.

In cases like these, a woman’s only option

is to hide what happened and move on.

Hello?

Why didn’t you answer your phone?

There was no signal, and my phone’s battery died.

Don't give me excuses. You're just losing your mind over this case.

Stop being stubborn and come home.

Hello? Sandhya? Hello?

- Don’t be scared. - Dad!

Dad...

Why did you take her to the movie on release day?

She was excited.

I hope you remember that she is a girl!

She wants to file a case against the fan club.

Against whom, exactly? And how many?

We'll be the only ones to lose our honor.

This is common for women.

Listen to me. I will take care of her.

Don’t think about the case. We will end up the losers.

Sandhya.

Here, vegetable stew. I made it for you.

Hmm. Want ghee?

Let’s file a complaint, Mom.

Eat!

I wonder where she gets her stubbornness.

Welcome to Cheekatilo.

A true-crime podcast that discusses cold cases.

I am going to share the story of an infamous man.

And the story of a criminal who raped and destroyed several lives and vanished.

After the Bobby case podcast, I went to the Godavari district.

I collected the case files there and tried to meet the victims.

They are still traumatized by the atrocities from the past.

I thought I wasn’t able to crack anything in this research.

And then I met Mr. Chakravarthy.

I wanted to share with you a few facts he revealed to me.

It was Diwali.

Lalitha and Rajesh.

Their lives, meant to travel together, took a turn...

Huh!

Lalitha...

Lalitha, where are you?

Lalitha?

Lalitha?

Lalitha, where are you?

Hey, are you trying to scare me?

Hey, what happened?

Lalitha, what’s wrong?

Rajesh!

Rajesh!

What I observed is,

there were cowbells around Rajesh’s neck, and jasmines in Lalitha’s hair.

It was the same in Bobby's case.

Not just Lalitha. All the victims have the same story.

He strikes in the dark. He knows where they live.

He also knows when they are alone at home.

Who is he?

The culprit is powerful only as long as he is not exposed.

When his crime is exposed, his strength leaves and fear enters.

In a way, he is a predator who moves in the dark.

Is the caller responsible for the previous rapes and murders?

Is he a serial killer?

Did he resurface?

Is he living among us?

Let’s create awareness.

#Cheekatilo.

This is Sandhya Nelluri, signing off.

Hi, sir. How are you?

I’m good, Rajeev.

Sir, I need some information...

Er... about the Godavari district case from 2000.

Yeah, it was a sensation. No leads, no motive, no connection.

They were random rape cases.

Sir, if you don’t mind...

Did you notice a connection between jasmine flowers and the bells?

Yes, but those are quite common in villages.

- Sir... - One by one.

Sir!

Any update on Bobby’s case?

We are still investigating.

We've a few leads.

Profiling is underway, bracketing the killer's height and age.

Is he the same killer behind all murders so far?

Is he the same person behind all such crimes in the past?

Have you heard Sandhya’s podcast?

Yes, I did! Good gripping story.

Today, everyone wants to be a celebrity.

They can say anything for 30 seconds of fame.

But solving a crime is our duty.

It's our responsibility.

How can we trust their random research?

Rajeev! What’s the podcaster’s name?

Sandhya Nelluri.

Sandhya Nelluri.

Sandhya Nelluri. Let me put this straight to you.

You accused someone first.

Now you say it's not him.

You say multiple things happened.

What's your agenda?

Where are the rape victims?

How can you link that to this case?

Do you have any substantial evidence?

Are you helping the police or misleading us?

I am asking again.

Where are all the victims from your story?

Hi, Sandhya.

- Hey! Hi, Rajeev. - Hi.

- How are you doing? - Good.

Sandhya, can we have a quick chat?

Sure. You guys carry on!

- Do you need something? - I’m good. Thanks.

Sandhya, you could’ve texted me before airing all that!

Imagine the pressure on the police now. Do you have any idea of the public panic?

You should have given it a thought!

I'm sorry. There are so many rape cases, Rajeev.

So?

The killer was talking about names on the call!

He seemed too obsessive.

As if we are crediting someone else for the murders he committed.

He's listening to my podcast, Rajeev!

I just hope he stops, knowing I’m connecting the dots.

If the caller is actually listening to your podcast.

I have a suggestion for you.

Gather all the victims and arrange a press meet.

Give them a voice.

That way, give us a good reason to follow up.

What’s he saying?

People sought Agnipariksha in the past.

Now, he’s suggesting the victims to go public about the assault.

Sir, I need a favor.

Thanks for your help, sir.

You are trying hard to bring out the truth.

I'm helping so it reaches everyone.

Thanks for coming.

This meet isn't just about Bobby's case.

Based on the case files I’ve gathered, and irrespective of who believes me,

there’s a serial killer on the loose.

I told you the victim stories on my podcast.

But by bringing them before you,

I’m hoping that you will understand the gravity of the situation.

You’ll meet them soon. Thank you.

Sandhya, find out where they are.

Hello! Mr. Chakravarthy?

Sorry, Sandhya. Lalitha doesn’t want to come.

What?

I tried convincing her. But she made up her mind.

Please don’t mind.

MS. SANDHYA

Sir, it's getting late.

Let me see...

One minute.

Sandhya, where are they?

Sir, Vani, Lalitha... Nobody’s responding.

They might not come.

What do you mean they won’t come?

I can’t believe this!

It’s not just your reputation at stake!

I really need them here. Do something.

Sorry, they can’t make it.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

We're calling off the press meet.

Why waste our time!

All for 30 seconds of fame. Let’s go.

Such a waste of time.

We put aside all our work and rushed here.

Let’s go. What can we do?

Ms. Sandhya?

We heard your podcast and looked for you a lot!

Look at these.

I’m Lachi and she’s Rani.

We are from Gangavaram.

We are recording dancers.

Our village organizes an annual Gangamma carnival.

But that day, everyone was busy with the elections.

They arranged recording dance to pull crowd.

Our troupe was also called to perform.

After the event, Chinna Babu tried to force me to go with him.

But the MRO came to my rescue.

I trusted the MRO and got into his car.

He dropped me home and took Rani with him.

It was a no moon day.

Pitch dark around.

I went to my room to change. And I heard a sound.

He thought I was dead.

He put jasmines in my hair and left.

I was barely breathing when Rani saved me.

Sandhya, how to trust what they say?

Did you hire some actors because the victims didn’t show up?

Sir, please! They are not actors! How do I make you believe?

If what you say is true, why didn’t you go to the police?

Why wouldn’t we lodge a complaint?

Enough with the drama about complaint and case.

I will talk to Chinna Babu. Take some money and leave town.

Leave.

Dancing for money is our profession.

But we are easy targets for lustful eyes.

This is not the life we choose!

It's because of our need!

After that incident, we were worried for our lives.

So we packed our bags, and left our village.

Who’s the officer who denied you?

Our current DIG Rajamani.

Rajamani? How can he?

Why accuse him?

Saying whatever you want to!

What, Mr. Rajamani? Why am I being dragged into this?

I did a lot for you!

If I go down, I’ll take you along.

Close the case. Fast!

Lachi and Rani press meet

brought shocking truth about DIG Rajamani!

He has been sent on a forced leave.

A special team was formed in response to public outrage.

And the team is being led by Ms. Anandita.

We have information that she went to the crime scene.

Madam... Madam...

You are nowhere near solving the case.

- What’s your plan to deal with this case? - Move...

Not enough material for a case! Isn’t it?

Do as I say, Rajeev!

Rajeev, what is this?

You took my material without my knowledge! Not right.

We have confiscated it legally.

You leave. I’ll keep you posted.

I want my files back!

- Sandhya, don’t make a scene here. - Irfan.

- Sandhya, please leave. Go! - Bring me the case details.

Victim’s name is Kavya Sudha.

It’s a valid case. I’ve checked.

Ainavilli rape case?

Her name is Jaya.

The murder happened during the day.

She was wearing jasmines even before the crime.

The killer we are looking for is active only at night.

And he puts jasmines in their hair before leaving.

You have checked my files, right? There’s a clear pattern.

Anandita.

I guess we started on the wrong foot.

It can be corrected. Take me into your team.

We can make her a consultant.

OK.

But unofficially.

Yeah, it works.

Only if you take the responsibility.

I’ll take full responsibility for this.

Great.

Madam, Mr. Rajamani is here.

- I’ll see him and come back. - Sure.

Sir. Please.

So, what’s your role in Lachi and Rani case?

You ask as if I’m a criminal.

Arrived at a conclusion already?

Nothing like that. Just asking.

They took permission for the show. The event was done.

What happened to Lachi was unfortunate.

As a cop, you know...

We need permission from authorities to take action.

There was pressure from Chinna Babu and the local MLA.

Had I filed a case, the opposition would have used it for their gain.

It was election time.

I couldn’t take a chance.

So,

I treated Lachi and Rani as collateral damage.

I'm not proud of myself.

Sandhya.

Aren’t you the reason behind all this?

The guy you’re marrying...

Amar. He is my friend’s son.

All the best.

What’s with him?

Didn’t you eat?

Will you become an approver?

Rajamani sir has called.

- Hello? - Rajamani...

- They investigated me. - Hmm.

Don’t let them come to you.

I’ll handle it.

No finger prints, no foot mark and he uses a condom.

Just like Bobby’s case.

He hasn’t left a clue in any of the murders.

How is he doing it?

He’s being very careful.

If he is the killer we are looking for.

30 years ago...

To know this type of information, he must definitely be educated.

An educated person could most likely be an employee.

What kind of jobs did people from the Godavari district do back then?

Private contractors, doctors, government employees...

What if we make a list and match it with the crime location?

We’ll get thousands of names.

Not practical.

But we can try at least.

What are we going to lose?

Ma’am, Asmi’s postmortem report is ready.

We’ll see. Let’s go.

The cause of death is asphyxiation and severe blood loss from a throat wound.

Time of death is estimated between 11:00 and 11:30 PM.

The bruises and wounds on the body show the victim fought back.

We found hair in the victim’s throat. It does not belong to her.

- Ma’am. - Could it be her boyfriend’s?

We checked it. It's from a third person.

Good.

We have something at last.

Let’s do it.

Rajeev.

Shall we match Chinna Babu’s DNA with Asmi’s?

Chinna Babu? Are you out of your mind?

He is a high-profile person now!

Let’s do what Ms. Anandita's says.

Don’t expect too much.

OK, I’ll do it.

Hey, Sandhya!

Hey!

Shall we go?

That side, ma’am.

- Enough. - Come.

Why are you here?

We want to talk about the 1999 rape case for which you did time.

- Hey! - Hey!

We are the police!

Wait.

They are the police, you know!

Yes.

But...

It was an attempted rape case.

I was locked up, but was let out soon.

Why can’t you leave it?

I was hoping to get some answers by talking to you.

Okay. Then I’ll ask you in the press meet.

You’ll tell then.

You are stubborn, aren't you?

Correct.

Ratnavali.

- Ratnavali! - Yes.

Here she is.

She filed the case.

I was just teasing her.

She got angry and went to the police!

So I married her.

Made her my wife.

She withdrew the case.

But, why would a guy like me have trouble with women?

Huh?

Some come to me for money, and some for fame.

I organized the event with Lachi and Rani for political gains.

But I never forced myself on anyone till date.

Till now!

What?

Sandhya, let's go.

- Hand me the phone. - Sir.

Murthy!

Want hot news?

We didn't get what we wanted.

Did you see his wife?

She lodged a rape case, but had to take it back and marry the guy.

Spending life with such a horrible person is just so sad.

Rajeev.

Give this for DNA testing.

How?

May I use your washroom?

That's how an unofficial person handles things.

Sandhya, I'm glad we did this.

There’ll be consequences. Let’s be careful. Okay?

- Tea? It’s hot. - Thank you.

How did you end up as a crime reporter?

I studied criminology.

Almost.

That's how.

Almost?

Yeah, my professor and I had a difference of opinion about the PhD thesis subject.

Not a surprise.

What’s so funny?

It is funny.

Okay.

How can you laugh at it?

Because it is funny. Let’s not go there.

It is not funny.

Sandhya...

- Bye, guys. - Bye.

You should have called after work.

My phone was dead.

Should have called from Rajeev’s phone.

I didn’t think it was necessary. Didn’t expect it to get this late.

Didn’t feel necessary? Do you know how many times I called?

What do you think of me?

I didn’t switch it off for fun!

I was not out for a party. You know, right?

I know that it wasn’t a party, but don’t forget priorities!

You have to prioritize!

- Now we... - What should I prioritize!

I didn’t do it on purpose! The battery died.

So, you remember me after everyone left?

Can’t you think about me, even a little? You just...

Hey, watch out!

Move!

Look at the signal, man!

You are at fault! Why shout at him? The red light is on.

Why are you shouting? I know it's red.

Don’t I have the freedom to shout?

OK. Shout as much as you want! I don’t have to listen to you.

- Marredpally? - Yes, get in.

Madam. What’s the progress?

We are investigating. We'll update you soon.

Ma'am, was questioning Chinna Babu a part of the investigation?

Do you have evidence against him?

Or, are you targeting influential people to divert public attention?

No, our intension was--

Please, we are not trying to divert the case!

Our target is not just a killer but a coward!

Who knows which rabbit hole he’s hiding in!

Sorry. But I am sure we will catch him soon.

- Madam, we need some answers... - Madam...

One by one.

Give us a timeline.

How long will you take to solve it?

[indistinct voices]

- Will you do what the DIG did? - Ma’am, we need to know.

That’s it. No more questions. Ma'am, we have to go.

- Ma’am, don’t go away! - Sir, tell us.

What the hell, Rajeev!

I told you not to follow Chinna Babu!

Is this how you do your job?

I forced him to go with me.

Shut up, Sandhya.

Chinna Babu’s DNA report is here.

Are you serious, Rajeev?

You got Chinna Babu’s DNA tested?

Fuck. What the hell!

Where did you get it from?

See this!

From now on, you can’t do anything without telling me!

This is my last warning to both of you!

Got it?

Rajeev, put up a helpline number.

Inform the public.

The old lady might not have seen the killer’s face.

But we’ll know his height.

Announce approximate height.

Check the crime scene CCTV footage again.

And, Sandhya. It's okay if you aren’t helping solve the case.

Don’t cause further damage!

Sandhya, how are you?

We were in the neighborhood. She wanted to see you.

You can come whenever.

You talk. I’ll get coffee.

Amar told us about your fight.

It's nothing serious.

Sandhya.

Fights may seem uncomfortable for some time.

But they strengthen the bond in the long run.

It is not very difficult to handle the death of people as old as me.

But digesting best friend's death at a young age is difficult.

I can see how important this case is for you.

Fight as much as you can.

Padma, talk to her and come.

- I’ll get the car. - Okay.

Hmm.

Tell me if he troubles you. I will take care of it.

We have to go shopping tomorrow. I’ll bring him there.

Do what you want. I won’t stop you.

Okay?

- We’ll take our leave. - Greetings!

They are very good people!

They encouraged Sandhya to teach Amar a lesson.

Wish I had the chance. I’d have smacked your dad real good!

Please stop, Mother-in-Law. Giving her leeway would be disastrous.

Men say a thing or two. But don’t forget that you are a girl.

You need to adjust.

Here, vegetable stew. Eat.

Hmm.

Why should I adjust?

I should remember I’m a girl? As if I could forget.

On the road, at the office, at the temple, in theaters...

Girls shouldn’t do this and that.

We don’t know what to do, or why we were born! Death would be easier.

You call me stubborn, but my heart just hardened.

Thanks to you.

- Eat your stew. - Eat...

She is stubborn.

- Do you want some stew? - No.

Madam, the killer is on the line. He wants to talk to you.

What?

Hello?

Anandita, did you figure out how Asmi died?

Who are you? What do you want?

What can you give me? Nothing!

Instead, I’ve sent you a gift.

There's a red box outside your office. Check it.

- Go. - OK.

Ma'am.

10th November 2000.

I am giving you my memory. Please respect it.

Hello?

I can sense the fear in your voice now.

I’m not a coward.

Definitely not hiding in a hole.

I’m living among you.

Why are you doing all this?

What will you do if I tell you everything?

Will you mouth dialogues like a hero?

I don’t like it when someone corners me.

Asmi's words angered me, so she died.

I told Sandhya before the murder.

The police didn’t take it seriously.

So sad.

That murder is on you.

Anandita, catch me as soon as possible.

Else, there’s another murder lurking in the dark.

My mother-in-law? She doesn’t wear such cotton sarees.

She wants silk sarees.

Let’s take them.

- Show Gadwal or Mangalgiri sarees. - Let us all take silk sarees.

Okay.

Looks like the mothers are enjoying!

Power of shopping!

- Rajeev, where was the call from? - Ikon Mall.

- Send a team there. Get the CCTV footage. - Sure.

The number he called from is registered in Asmi's name.

Look at this video.

Asmi spoke ill about him.

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He killed her just for using the hashtag!

What would he do to its creator Sandhya?

Rajeev, where is Sandhya?

- So... - Amar.

- Come here. - Why?

Come here to select a saree.

Stay here. I'll be back.

Hello.

Where are you?

Ikon Mall.

Killer knows your location.

There's no time. Leave immediately.

I’m sending security. Make it quick and be careful, Sandhya.

Sandhya! Sandhya!

Mom. Let’s go.

- What’s wrong, Sandhya? - I’ll explain to you later.

- Why the hurry? - Let’s go.

Tell me what happened!

Hey, Rajamani. What brings you here?

Shopping for my granddaughter.

- Engagement shopping. - Uncle...

Uncle, we have to go.

- Something came up. - Urgent.

- See you later. - Okay.

Fear!

The helplessness that comes when the only option is to face the consequences

introduces us to fear.

Nobody paid attention when he first called.

Rishi and Asmi. Dead!

I was the one who said he started this in Godavari district.

But from Lachi’s story, it’s clear that he has been active for a long time.

His first murder was during the Lalitha’s incident.

He felt a thrill from it.

We are dealing with a classic serial killer here.

They live among us.

Serial killers have something called stressors.

If we look at American serial killers, like Ted Bundy and BTK,

we see that they were active on and off.

It is an uncontrollable urge.

It is quite difficult to catch them.

He has called the helpline again.

The criminal is roaming among us without any fear or guilt.

I want to bring his identity to light. So what am I afraid of?

He's my son Bose.

Why did you kill so many people?

Speak up!

I didn’t kill anybody!

Why were you stalking me?

You made me stalk you!

It is because of you!

My mom forgot her past!

Why did you bring it all back?

Some worthless guy violated my mother!

Nobody, not even her husband, cared!

Nobody uttered a word!

You could have done the same!

Do you know what they called me?

Bastard!

Do you know how it feels?

Why should my mom suffer for your friend’s death?

Moreover, you called her to the press meet!

I thought you’d stop if I scared you.

Leave. Leave my mom alone!

I’m really sorry.

Who needs your sorry?

Your friend is lucky. She died.

But my mom...

She’s been carrying those wounds ever since!

Let us live!

Please spare us, Sandhya! Let us live!

I wanted to do good, but I am only hurting people.

You're right. I was being stubborn.

I didn’t think twice, and started chasing him in the dark.

I thought putting him behind bars would bring them justice.

I’m wrong!

I have troubled the very people I was fighting for.

As Chakravarthy said, it’s better to forget and move on.

I can't do this anymore.

I don’t want to.

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This is 2018.

Sir! This is the Government employees list.

Thank you, Irfan. This is it, right?

48 departments, 20 years of employment list,

their job joining dates, transfers and retirements.

How can it fit in these, sir? Such files will keep coming.

- Good job, Irfaan. - Thank you, ma’am.

We have to celebrate!

Just a minute.

Hi, Rajeev.

Hope I didn’t disturb you.

I just got all Government employees list.

There’s a lot of information.

We are digitizing it.

Shall I send you the live link?

Rajeev! I’m already out of it.

Don’t involve me.

See only if possible. Otherwise, no worries.

Have a nice evening.

Thank you so much.

Sandhya.

One, two, or three? How many?

Dad, tell me.

Mom! Mom!

Please calm down.

I spoke to Rajeev.

No need of postmortem.

You can take the body.

Take care of what needs to be done.

Amar, please reconsider.

I feel it is better if autopsy is done.

There are bruises on the body.

What if it’s the killer’s doing?

How can we let him go?

What are you talking?

Still about the case! Are you crazy?

Just leave!

Sandhya, what are you saying?

Don’t you know what to talk?

Amar, take care of what needs to be done.

Let’s look into this later.

Please!

Sandhya, stay calm.

Amar, come.

Calm down, brother.

Her name is Buchi.

She has been with me since childhood.

We played like friends. We talked a lot.

She grew up with me.

She'll be your friend from now on.

Take her if you want to.

It's okay, aunty.

You’ll be my friend after marriage anyway.

- Hello? - Is this CI Rajeev?

Yes.

I am SI, calling from Trichy station.

I saw the news about Hyderabad serial murders.

We had a similar case in 2020.

I'm sending the file and DNA reports. It may help you.

Sure! Please send them.

We shortlisted people who were transferred to Trichy.

Create a link to it and send it to Anandita.

- Ma’am, please check. - Okay.

Shit!

Hey, don’t forget my earrings.

Which earrings?

I lent you gold earrings last week, right? I’ll send you the pic.

Ma’am, see this.

See this.

Find out where Sandhya is.

Come in.

You didn't have to take the trouble, dear.

It's okay, uncle!

I’ll use the washroom.

Uncle, shall I serve?

My mom makes very good stew.

I’m not hungry, dear.

I’ve a headache.

Can you make some coffee?

Hmm. Okay, uncle.

Didn’t you find my DNA sample?

I killed Padma by pushing her off the terrace.

She was clumsy and people believed when I said she slipped.

I must kill you too now.

How do I do it?

Shall I stab with a knife?

Or leak gas?

Or should I kill you the way I killed Bobby?

Tell me now. Why did you do it?

All the evidence proves that you are the killer.

What is your motive, Rao?

Nothing!

We checked all the places he transferred to.

Murder timings matched perfectly.

The DNA found in the Asmi and Trichy cases matched with Rao’s!

Despite all this evidence, Rao hasn’t uttered a word!

Can I talk to him?

Doesn’t matter if he speaks or not.

It matters to me.

I must know why he killed Bobby.

Why are you silent after ruining so many lives?

The police think Lachi is your first victim.

But, I guess it is not.

My aunt.

She gave me shelter.

She gave me food, clothes, and education.

Eat.

She was very beautiful.

Big eyes, a long plait, and jasmines in her hair.

And when she danced her anklets would sing.

My aunt was great.

Sandhya, do you know how painful it is

when someone touches us without our consent?

Touch should be consensual.

A touch without consent is never correct.

But still, my aunt was a very good woman.

I kept telling myself the same lie.

I hoped that repeating it would somehow make it true.

I was a kid, right, Sandhya?

I didn’t realize that hope couldn’t change her evil desires.

Take this.

Oh my god!

Did you see?

You felt sorry and brought him home!

But see what he did!

Oh my...

Uncle...

- You idiot! Have you no shame! - Uncle, listen.

Uncle, it's not my fault.

I felt sorry because you were an orphan!

- Is this how you thank me? - Uncle, you are mistaken.

- Are you even human? - Uncle, please.

A pig is better than you.

Uncle, listen to me.

- Uncle! - Huh!

Listen to me first. Just listen.

- Hey, Ramu! - Listen to me first.

Ramu, listen to me.

Do you know what your wife did?

- Do you know? - He is lying!

I’ll show you how she tortured me!

Isn’t this what you wanted? Come!

My aunt!

Left me with this anger.

But she died!

How...

How will I take out my anger?

So I started looking for women who looked like her.

I love the dark. I would wait for it to strike.

And in the dark, I would treat my victim as my aunt and take out my frustration!

When I was posted in Trichy, my anger peaked!

But it is the best night of my life.

I left behind a lot of clues.

Feared that I might get caught.

I had to stop.

I had to stop.

But I didn’t feel like stopping.

I took a transfer.

My family was my mask.

Why did you start again?

I am getting old, Sandhya.

I went for a checkup.

Third stage of dementia.

Slowly, I will start forgetting.

My family’s very happy.

Doesn’t matter if I forget.

But how do I forget my aunt!

How do I let go of my anger towards her?

Just then, I saw Bobby.

- Hi, uncle. - Hi, Bobby.

Why aren’t you coming to play shuttle?

- I joined dance class. - Oh!

- Classical dance. - Ah!

I want to perform at Amar and Sandhya’s pre-wedding ceremony.

See my anklets.

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Why did you kill your wife?

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Padma.

Padma! Where are you?

Padma.

You write diary. Do I read it?

I won’t even touch it.

So how can you touch my personal stuff?

Hmm?

Why are you wearing jasmines? Don’t you know I hate them?

What? You want to tell everyone?

Padma, nobody knows about me.

Those who know aren’t alive!

The journey that started with my aunt

ended with Padma.

This is called the circle of life, Sandhya.

Huh!

Don’t you feel guilty for your crimes?

Why should I feel guilty?

I will forget them anyway.

Huh?

You can remember and feel bad!

I’ll forget them!

I’ll forget them!

I'll forget.

When I started the podcast, I had no idea what I’d achieve.

But now,

I see light.

It is not because of me.

It is because these women came out and shared their stories.

There is something we should all learn.

No criminal should be left to hide in the dark.

We should never let our fear be their strength.

Padma aunty knew that she'd die, yet she chose to bring out the truth.

I salute her spirit.

You are not your father.

Rao may be convicted for life.

But this is not just a victory for law!

It is a light for unheard voices and untold stories.

Every story has to be told, and every voice has to be heard.

And with this, we come to the end of “Cheekatilo”.

This chapter ends, and a new one begins.

This is Sandhya Nelluri, signing off.

“This fear is mysterious”

“A search that never ends”

“In this darkness, move toward dawn”

“And continue the journey”

“End this long silence and become an army”

“Because your pursuit is a storm”

“The air hisses like a venomous snake Hands tremble with fear”

“Unfading are the bitter memories When the heart overflows, it bursts”

“People without limits or morals Hide behind their masks”

“Cruel souls without compassion When death cries aloud”

“The unseen man remains invisible Searching for the demon’s trail”

“Hiding the wounds of the heart Yet your voice roars bravely”

“In this darkness”