Prime Video is set to revolutionize true crime storytelling with ‘Chikatilo,’ a riveting podcast led by Bollywood star Sobhita Dhulipala. Centered on Andrei Chikatilo, the infamous Butcher of Rostov responsible for dozens of brutal slayings, this series promises to unearth the darkest secrets of a forgotten Soviet horror.
Dhulipala, known for her roles in ‘Made in Heaven’ and ‘The Night Manager,’ infuses the narrative with authenticity and gravitas. She guides audiences through Chikatilo’s double life: a devoted family man by day, a predator stalking train stations by night. The podcast chronicles his spree from 1978, targeting vulnerable children and women amid economic despair, evading capture through sheer cunning and bureaucratic incompetence.
Each episode dissects key cases, from the first dismembered body discovery to the frantic manhunt involving over 100 suspects. Archival audio, forensic recreations, and interviews with retired investigators paint a vivid picture of the terror that gripped Ukraine and Russia. Dhulipala doesn’t shy from the gore—describing mutilations that shocked even hardened pathologists—but balances it with context on profiling’s evolution.
The production shines with bilingual elements, reflecting Chikatilo’s multi-ethnic hunting grounds, and Dhulipala’s multilingual skills add intimacy. Culminating in his 1992 arrest and cannibalism confessions, ‘Chikatilo’ ends with a sobering look at modern predator prevention.
Streaming now on Prime Video, this podcast isn’t for the faint-hearted. Sobhita Dhulipala’s star power elevates it beyond typical fare, making ‘Chikatilo’ a landmark in Indian-hosted true crime.