The film released in June 2001 to mixed reviews, with The Hindu labelling it "a slow starter, but it picks up momentum after the first half and peaks to a climax, with a difference", adding that it is a "definite milestone in Ajit's acting career".
[1] The actor and director then began work on another project titled Itihasam co-starring Simran, written by Sujatha and focusing on caste issues, but the production was shelved.
[2][3] He was later offered the opportunity to direct a Telugu film featuring Venkatesh and Gracy Singh titled Vaakaaladu, narrating a tale on corrupt politics, but the project was stalled.
[8] Saravana subsequently took up other roles as a supporting actor, notably appearing in Mani Ratnam's Raavanan (2010) as a cop who betrays his team and in Thambi Vettothi Sundaram (2011), where he won critical acclaim for his performance.
[9] In 2010, he worked as an anchor for the reality show Kanavu Meipadavendum on Makkal TV, which sought to hunt youngsters with managerial and leadership qualities.