Critical reception
Gopika Is of The Times of India rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote: "Paathirathri could have been a far better film if it had been made with more conviction — and with a clearer understanding of what may no longer excite audiences at a time when Malayalam cinema is churning out thrillers in quick succession." [13]
Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express rated the film 2/5 stars and wrote, "Where the crime drama falters is in its inability to strike a chord with viewers, leaving them as mere observers rather than drawing them into the film’s world and making them feel part of its unfolding events." [14]
Princy Alexander of Onmanorama praised the first half of Paathirathri, with the introduction of intriguing characters and a subplot provides comic relief and highlights Jancy's competence. According to her, the film is considered a strong addition to the trend of character-driven police dramas. However, she criticised the second half of the film, stating that the film reduces Navya's role and suffers from the excessiveness of the plot's elements, which makes it "scattered and disengaging." Shehnad Jalal's cinematography is praised for skillfully amplifying "tension and fear in critical scenes." However, Jakes Bejoy's musical score is described as "generic". [15]
S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "In following a genre by the book, Paathirathri fails to bring any novelty to the table or inject excitement into the proceedings." [16]
Vignesh Madhu of The New Indian Express rated the film 2/5 stars and wrote, "But except for the overarching theme of marital discord, Paathirathri is not as layered or socially relevant. It also suffers heavily while trying to craft an engaging narrative around the central crime. This is despite the film promising a lot at the halfway point when Hareesh and Jancy's worst fears come true. But everything that follows is too basic and familiar, especially the investigation." [17]
Gayathri Krishna of OTTplay rated the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Power dynamics in the police system, strained marriages, and the weight of responsibility as well as truth are all explored in a transparent way in Ratheena-directed thriller." [18]
