Satya is considered a modern masterpiece by several critic's, and one of the best films of the 1990s.[72][73] It has achieved cult status, and is cited as one of the best Indian gangster films for its realistic portrayal of violence;[74][75][76] "paving the way" for future gangster films.[77] Reviewing Varma's 2008 film, Contract, critic Rajeev Masand called Satya one of the most influential films of the past ten years.[78] The film introduced a new genre, a variation of film noir which has been called "Mumbai noir".[21][73][79] Satya was a breakthrough film for Manoj Bajpayee.