The response was negative; the audience thought the film advocated amorality,[1] and portions of its second half were re-shot.[7] Satya was released in India on 3 July 1998 on a commission basis, so distributors would not lose money.[36] The film targeted an urban audience,[36] and dubbed Telugu and Tamil-language versions were released in their regional markets.[37] It was dubbed in English for screenings at international film festivals, with Vivek Oberoi dubbing one of the characters.[38] Satya was part of the Indian Panorama section at the 1998 International Film Festival of India.[39]