Critics generally highlight the film's shift in perspective compared to other biopics of the legendary actor-politician. While it excels in its gritty atmosphere, it remains a highly polarizing piece of cinema.

The film is often viewed as a "reclamation" story, focusing heavily on the internal family dynamics and the "August Coup" of 1995. Critics note that while it provides a voice to Lakshmi Parvathi, it also functions as a pointed political critique of other family members and political figures.

Ram Gopal Varma uses his signature camera angles and a brooding background score to create a sense of tension. However, some reviewers find the slow pacing and repetitive close-ups to be self-indulgent.