The film opened on 1 June 2002. ;Tamil version Malathi Rangarajan of
The Hindu noted "it is a tightrope walk for director K. Subhash because presenting physical impairment without hurting sentiments is not easy. And the director does come out unscathed. Much of it is situational humour and the dialogue, again by Subhash, accentuates the comic impact in some of the scenes". Visual Dasan of
Kalki called the film a torture.
Cinesouth called it "the best example for an average film". Malini Mannath of
Chennai Online wrote, "Characters, each with a physical disability, the handicaps used as the basis of comedy. The audience knowing what's happening, but the characters oblivious to it, re-acting or talking at tangents. But unfortunately director Subhash misses out on taking full advantage of the scenario. The laughs are few and far between. And whenever the director tries to pep up his proceedings by a little diversion, like the comic capers of Karunas, or the antics of the enticing Abhinayasri, the scenes fall flat". ;Telugu version Jeevi of
Idlebrain.com gave the film two stars, stating "The only strength of the film is situation comedy based on the disabilities of three protagonists. Otherwise it's an avoidable film". The reviewer added that "The producers of this film tried to dupe Telugu audience by projecting '1-2-3' as the first Jyothika's Telugu straight film. But its yet another routine dubbing film rubbed on Telugu audience".
Gudipoodi Srihari of
The Hindu cited "The film keeps grip on the audience, because of the curiosity the subject kicks up, regarding the survival of the handicapped using their sixth sense. The characters are difficult to portray, but the three main artistes do it convincingly". == References ==