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The very name ‘Biriyani’ would tease your taste buds upon hearing it. That was the sort of curiosity that this film garnered at the time of its announcement. Moreover it comes from the stable of director Venkat Prabhu who has had a dream run at the box office with a string of hits in the past including a massive hit like ‘Mankatha’ which was his last. Even the stars were aligned both on and off screen for Venkat Prabhu, thus allowing him to deviate off the track only a wee bit, but largely the film was well conceived and executed with his unique style that he has maintained since he debuted!
Karthi and Premji are thick as thieves and partners in crime who go about in their very own ways of luring girls with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Karthi’s quest to have the quintessential ‘Biriyani’ after a heavy booze puts the duo in a soup whereupon they become the most wanted criminals as they are on the run for the charges of murdering a business tycoon (Nasser). The way in which Karthi comes out victoriously washing away the slime forms the story for this sweetly made entertainer.
This movie had many cliches that was typical of any of Venkat Prabhu’s previous movies - a string of guest appearances, an item number that was way too hot, scenes depicting liberal use of alcohol and party animals who live their life for that; but everything was spun pretty well barring the logic (leg piece?!) and the narrative keeps one hooked with an element of suspense that lingers with the audiences till the end.
Karthi as a casanova was quite impressive. He needed to break the jinx and get the monkey off his back after a string of flops. In that context this movie might be a harbinger of good ones that is about to come. His performance was all the same, but his look was dashing. No comments on Hansika’s performance as there was nothing in it for her. In fact Mandy Takhar in a supporting role made her presence felt with a sizzling appeal when compared to Hansika who is supposed to be the lead in this movie. Venkat Prabhu had his usual beeline of supporting cast along with Nasser and Ramki in key roles and they were good enough.
Yuvan’s music was a big let down. Being his 100th project, the expectations were quite high, but there was not a single number that one is able to remember. Even the BGM just manages to pass muster.
Cinematography by Shakthi Saravanan was above average and editing by the duo of Praveen and Srikanth was just about okay as there was a drag in the second half.
This movie sparkles with it’s slapstick humor, burlesques spiced all over the script that triggers some funny moments every now and then and above all a decent script. On the downside, the move is devoid of any logic - to put it simply, it is like having a bowl of Biriyani in a hurry and then struggling with way too many burps because of that. So the movie engages you while you are in the theater, the minute you come out, you’ll start thinking about your sensibilities being taken for a ride. But that’s the name of the game and Venkat Prabhu should be given credit for creating such an illusion and so this Biriyani is well worth a watch.
Verdict: Time Pass Entertainer
Rating: 3 / 5
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