The ghost of Tamil Nadu's slain forest brigand Veerappan haunts ace Telugu director Krishna Vamsi's latest release "Anumanaspadam".

The film belies big expectations because of its dreary screenplay and outdated comedy. Vamsi, who regaled audiences over 15 years ago with murder mystery "Anveshana", fails to recreate the same magic.

Up-and-coming Aryan Rajesh plays a reporter who plans to unearth the fortune of dead Veerappan. His character has negative shades.

Hansa Nandini plays a money-minded girl and she agrees to pretend to be in 'love' with Rajesh for the sake of a fortune.

Jayaprakash Reddy, as a guide, overdoes his act while Bharani is adequate. Devi Charan, Vanita and Subhash try to salvage ill-defined roles.

Maestro Ilayaraja's delightful music and cinematographer Vinda's picture-perfect lighting sustain the film's mood to some extent.

Producers Satish and Jai's dream of making a memorable film with the famed Vamsi-Ilayaraja duo fails to come true.