[12] Upon release, it received a positive critical response and was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, grossing over ₹56 crore at the box office.
[15] Set in the 1960s and 70's in Mukkam, Kerala, the film tells the tragic love story of Moideen who belongs to a renowned Muslim family and Kanchanamala who is the daughter of an aristocratic Hindu Thiyya landlord.
[16] Since inter-religious marriages were considered a taboo then, the couple had to part ways as their families objected to their love affair.
This confession transforms Balyambra Pottattu Unni Moideen Sahib's attitude towards his son; however, he dies immediately afterwards due to a heart attack.
The film is based on the real life love story of Moideen and Kanchanamala, which happened in the 1960s in the backdrops of river Iruvanjippuzha and Mukkam village.
For the song "Kathirunnu", M. Jayachandran won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the first time in his career.
[25] The Hindu wrote "the film presents a classic case of how a compelling real life incident can be adapted for the screen without compromising on the aesthetics of the medium.
"[27] Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated 3/5 and opined that "a slow-burner that invites its viewers to soak themselves in a compelling romantic tale that is prudently drawn from real life.
A pithy, well-acted and remarkably crafted film, this devastating narrative of love, comes across as a true celebration of the tender, expectant spirit that lies deep within it.
"[30] Akhila Menon of Filmibeat.com gave a rating of 4/5 and wrote, "It is wonderful to watch the classic form of romance back on the screen, in its complete glory.
"[31] Sethumadhavan of Bangalore Mirror rated the film 4/5 and said, "Despite the story being so old, the screenplay is powerful enough to hook the audience and make one ignore a few loose ends.
[38][39] On 14 October 2015, Filmibeat.com reported that the film's gross collection crossed ₹21.8 crore, making it the biggest hit in Prithviraj's career.