'Guna 369' is coming at a time when mass films have been fewer and far between. Like 'iSmart Shankar', this one too is hero-centric and action-driven.

Director Arjun Jandyala is pinning all hopes on the second half. Going by his words, the suspense factor, emotions and edge-of-the-seat moments in the second half will be the film's raison d'etre.

However, if the trailer is anything to go by, we are going to be in for a run-of-the-mill rom-com track and a loud action track. 'Rx 100' actor Kartikeya okayed the story instantly when Jandyala narrated it. What really caught his imagination? The film is unlike 'Rx 100' and 'Hippi'. Its male lead owes his uniqueness to his values and his capacity to shout louder than the loudest (by the way, Jandyala is a Boyapati Srinu disciple). There is a sentimental father as well. Kartikeya's business potential floundered with 'Hippi' last month. His real calibre will be proven with 'Guna 369', which should find its mojo in B and C centres.

There is a bloody antagonist (played by Aditya Menon) and a comic sidekick, played by Mahesh Achanta in the film.

The entertainer releases on August 2.