[8] Maaveeran was released on 1 November 1986, Diwali day,[9] and faced heavy competition from Punnagai Mannan, Aruvadai Naal and Palaivana Rojakkal.

[8] The Indian Express wrote on 7 November 1986, "The film makes its way through sadism and violence, damning sentiment, religion and righteousness by its downright exploitativeness.

[10] Jayamanmadhan (a duo) of Kalki wrote that even though couple of songs are average, the cinematography was an consolation.

The duo noted that despite using new techniques for fight scenes, because of a plot which confuses and goes around aimlessly, it has almost become like a vomit after delicious products and pouring so much of money.

[11] The film emerged a critical and commercial failure;[12] according to Rajinikanth's biographer Naman Ramachandran, the combination of Punnagai Mannan's director K. Balachander, lead actor Kamal Haasan, lead actress Revathi and the soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja "proved too much for Maaveeran, and its audience was restricted to hard-core Rajinikanth fans".