The movie received a polarized but generally positive response for its scale and acting:
Some reviewers felt the film "sugarcoated" certain real-life relationships and leaned too heavily into "masala" (over-the-top dramatic) tropes rather than being a straightforward drama. Thalaivii
Arvind Swamy’s portrayal of MGR was frequently cited as a highlight. Ranaut's performance was also recognized, earning her several "best of 2021" mentions. The movie received a polarized but generally positive