Director Sekar Soori begins on a promising note by holding the suspense throughout the first half only to lose his way after the interval. In the process, he manages to deliver a not-so-impressive horror flick.

But Soori of "Adhristam" fame extracts good performances from his lead artistes.

The picture-perfect lighting and razor-sharp frames do not cover up the gaping holes in the script.

The plot - about a director encountering scenes in real life exactly as written in a script - does raise goose pimples. But the slow-paced narration and unconvincing resolution mar the show.

TV star Rajiv Kanakala became a sought-after 'baddie' after his impressive role as a ruthless campus 'dada' in "Student No.1" and was doing stereotype roles.

"A Film By Arvind" provides him an opportunity to exhibit his talent in the role of a director. He tickles the laughing bones, besides displaying fear and suspicion with equal ease.

Debutant Rishi impresses somewhat, but still has a long way to go.

New girl Mona Chopra looks cute and expresses the emotions of fear nicely.

Mallikarjun and Ghazal Srinivas manage to do justice to their roles. Cinematographer Ramesh Krishna's 'night lighting' is brilliant as he manages to sustain the mood during the whole length of the film. The background score of Vijay also jells with the proceedings.

Debutant producer Sridhar Rao should be lauded for beginning his innings with a niche film under the banner of Sridhar Cinema and Creative Commercials.