Sify criticised the film and asked "what the actor and his director was trying to convey through this film — a bit of sleaze and fun or steamy mother sentiments?" Sriram Iyer of
Rediff.com wrote, "At quite a few places, the movie seems like a rehash of Surya's earlier films. Its better if Mr.Surya realises that it will look better if someone else pays tribute to his work, rather doing it himself". Malini Mannath of
Chennai Online wrote, "Shakti Chidambaram produces, scripts and directs the film. His earlier films with Sathyaraj were fairly engaging entertainers. But 'Vyabari' is just a test of patience". S. R. Ashok Kumar of
The Hindu wrote, "Director Shakthi Chidambaram is known for his works in comedy and watching `Vyabari' one feels he could have stuck to what he is best at". Lajjavathi of
Kalki praised the acting of Suryah and Bhatia, Deva's music, and Panneerselvam's cinematography, and was thrilled by the innovative ideas of Tamil directors. However, she felt that Chidambaram should have provided a neater screenplay. == References ==