Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


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
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
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.
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.
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 15% |
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
Biriyani released on 20 December 2013 (2013).
Biriyani is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Biriyani is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Biriyani directed by Venkat Prabhu. Produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja.
Biriyani stars Karthi, Premji Amaran, Hansika Motwani, Nassar, Ramki.
Tollybo rates Biriyani 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Music for Biriyani composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Biriyani — Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Runtime: 149 minutes, Language: Tamil.