Anushka, who tasted success with a few women-centric films in the past, has returned with a Tamil/Telugu bilingual horror flick Bhaagamathie, directed by Ashok.

When it comes to horror movies, you know that you're paying money to get scared. But maybe because of an influx of horror films in the recent past, the audience is mostly ahead of what is going to happen. When it comes to horror moments, Bhaagamathie sets the scary mood up straight away without wasting any time.

Anushka plays a collector called Sanchala who is imprisoned in a so-called haunted house while she is interrogated by law enforcers investigating a politician (Jayaram) they suspect of corruption. Is Anushka acting weird for a cause or is the house really haunted; why is she imprisoned in the first place are what Bhaagamathie is all about.

First things first, Anushka is all over the film; her charismatic appearance makes the audience have their eyes and ears focussed on the screen.

Although the script and the elements attached to it to excite the audience are run of the mill, especially the flashback portion and the pre-climax scenes, Bhaagamathie has a few interesting moments too, most of them in the first half.

It's definitely not a full-fledged horror flick, if you are expecting one. The logic of the predictable story does go for a toss with the second half taking most of the blame with a predictable flashback and a poor subplot.

Like every horror movie, there are a  few disturbing visuals like Anushka hammering her own hand and the parents might want to keep a check on it before taking their kids.

Technically, the film is impressive with a thumping background score by SS Thaman, excellent sound design and good visuals.

In short, Bhaagamathie has all the elements that will keep you engaged for the most part, making you overlook a few filmy flaws.