Both versions were directed by Tirulokachander and featured Rangarao reprising his role both versions. The Tamil magazine "Ananda Vikatan", in its original review of the film dated 30 June 1963 mentioned that though many had acted well, S. V. Ranga Rao deserved the first prize for acting in the film for making viewers cry in a few places. Ramachandran, writing for "Sport and Pastime", also praised the film. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at 11th National Film Awards. It also won Filmfare Award for Best film and Filmfans Award for Best film. S. V. Ranga Rao won the Rashtrapati Award. The song "Kanna Karumai" was considered as one of the memorable songs of P. Susheela. The song was rendered thrice by the contestants of the television contest show, "Airtel Super Singer 4", and once each by the contestants of the second and third season of its junior version, "Airtel Super Singer Junior".