Also, the director is quite unconvincing in giving the film a definite flow." He opined that the film had shades of Om (1995) and Darshan's own Majestic that released earlier that year. He added, "As the debutant director Prem fails to effectively convey the story, it gets dragged on till the end.
Gangadhara of Deccan Herald felt the film "fails to have a tight storyline" but is technically, "well-made". The film received mixed response from critics upon release. Kariya received an A certificate from regional office of the Censor Board at Bangalore with the certificate dated 30 December 2002. Gurukiran has scored and composed the film's soundtrack. Darshan, who made his debut through the crime film Majestic was chosen to play the titular role, while Abhirami, daughter of actress Anuradha was signed in to play the female lead. Certain scenes involving these rowdies were shot in exactly the same spot where they have killed or assaulted their targets in the past. However, Mari Mutthu who was a councillor refused the offer, fearing it might tarnish her reputation. Balraj tried to persuade a female mobster Mari Mutthu to act in the film. Having a gangster backdrop, director Prem and producer Anekal Balaraj bailed out 23 criminals to act in the film. Kariya is the debut film of Prem as a director before Excuse Me.