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Biriyani (2013) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

Biriyani (2013) Review

Biriyani (2013) (Tamil action, comedy, thriller) — directed by Venkat Prabhu. Featuring Karthi, Premji Amaran, Hansika Motwani. The desire for biryani after drinks lands two friends in an endless frenzy as they get framed for a kidnapping and go on the run. Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Produced by Studio Green, Released: 20 Dec 2013. Runtime: 2h 29m.

Biriyani
FLOP

Biriyani(2013)

A Venkat Prabhu Diet

Tamil · Action, Comedy, Thriller

2h 29m · 20 Dec 2013

Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Sakthi Saravanan | Writer: Venkat Prabhu, Kannan DS

ActionComedyThriller

Ratings

123Telugu123Telugu2.75

Our Rating

2.25

📖 Story

Biriyani is a dark comedy thriller revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a woman named Ramya, and the ensuing investigation led by a police officer named Shanmugavel. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and present-day sequences, blending humor with suspense. The narrative explores themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of choices, set against a backdrop of crime and intrigue.

🔍 Analysis

Biriyani offers an engaging blend of dark humor and thriller elements, with Venkat Prabhu's screenplay weaving multiple narrative threads effectively. The first half is paced briskly, establishing characters and setting up the mystery with a mix of witty dialogues and situational comedy. The second half intensifies the suspense, though some plot points feel slightly convoluted, affecting the overall coherence.

The film's content balances comedy and thriller genres, though the tonal shifts may not appeal to all viewers. The screenplay is inventive but occasionally meanders, impacting the narrative flow. The pacing is generally steady, with moments of tension well-executed.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's music and background score stand out, complementing the film's mood perfectly. The songs are situational and blend well with the narrative, while the BGM heightens suspense and emotional beats effectively. Cinematography by Sakthi Saravanan captures the urban setting with a gritty yet vibrant visual style.

Overall, Biriyani is a refreshing attempt at genre-mixing in Tamil cinema, marked by strong technical aspects and a unique storytelling approach, though it may divide audiences due to its unconventional tone and narrative style.

🎭 Performances

Karthi: Delivered a nuanced performance balancing comedic timing with intense moments, effectively portraying a complex character.

Premji Amaran: Provided comic relief with natural ease, contributing significantly to the film's humor.

Hansika Motwani: Played her role with charm, though limited by the screenplay's focus on male characters.

Nassar: Brought gravitas and depth to the supporting role, enhancing the film's dramatic elements.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Innovative blend of dark comedy and thriller
  • ✓Strong background score and music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
  • ✓Engaging performances, especially by Karthi and Premji Amaran
  • ✓Crisp cinematography capturing the film's mood
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Occasional narrative convolution and tonal inconsistency
  • ✕Second half loses some momentum
  • ✕Limited scope for female characters
  • ✕Some plot points lack clarity

🎬 Direction & Writing

Venkat Prabhu's direction showcases his flair for mixing genres and crafting engaging narratives. His writing is inventive, though at times overly complex, which affects the film's overall coherence. He successfully balances humor and suspense, creating a distinctive cinematic experience.

📰 Critic Reviews

123telugu123telugu

Despite having the best ingredients, a biryani will taste good only if it has been prepared lovingly, in the proper way. Sadly, that is not the case with this ‘Biriyani’. Despite having some good actors and nice performances, substandard screenplay and weak direction spoil the flavour.You will be disappointed if you go…

M9 NewsM9 News

Biriyani not that tasty!

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
123Telugu123Telugu
2.75

Our Rating

2.25/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral20%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics generally appreciated the film's unique tone and technical aspects, particularly the music and performances. However, some noted the screenplay's complexity and pacing issues as drawbacks. The film was praised for its attempt at genre fusion but received mixed reactions regarding narrative clarity.

Final Box-Office Result

FLOP

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Biriyani release in theatres?▾

Biriyani released on 20 December 2013 (2013).

Is Biriyani a hit or flop?▾

Biriyani is declared a FLOP at the box office.

Where to watch Biriyani online? OTT release date?▾

Biriyani is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Biriyani?▾

Biriyani directed by Venkat Prabhu. Produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja.

Who are the main cast members of Biriyani?▾

Biriyani stars Karthi, Premji Amaran, Hansika Motwani, Nassar, Ramki.

What is the Tollybo rating for Biriyani?▾

Tollybo rates Biriyani 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.

Who composed the music for Biriyani?▾

Music for Biriyani composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

What is the genre and runtime of Biriyani?▾

Biriyani — Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Runtime: 149 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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