Deepanjana Pal of Firstpost called the film a "beautifully-shot documentary".[18] Leading film critics gave it glowing reviews. Rajeev Masand called it a "Slice of Life" film.[19] Anupama Chopra referred to it as a "sad love letter to Kanpur".[20] Mihir Fadnavis reviewed the film for DNA India, where he called it "more hilarious, insightful and gorgeous than a feature film".[21] Mumbai's leading lifestyle website, Mumbai Boss, called Katiyabaaz a "crackling documentary!"[22]