Thazhuvatha Kaigal was released on 1 November 1986, during Diwali,[3] on the same day as another Vijayakanth film Dharma Devathai.[4] The film was distributed by Metro Movies.[5] Arbi of The Indian Express said Sundarrajan's direction "is thoughtful and even if he does not make box office this time, he has no reason to be disillusioned".[6]Jayamanmadhan of Kalki wrote if Vijayakanth and Ilaiyaraaja were left out, the film is a murky stream with no direction.[7] At the 7th Cinema Express Awards, Ambika received a "special award" for her performance.[8][9]