The real problem, though, was the script by director Anil Kumar. It is regressive storytelling at best, reinforcing the narrative that the best way to deal with heartbreak is to spew hatred towards women and the notion of love itself.
There is a definitive end to the story, but one that didn’t really evoke an emotion. Irrespective of whether the reaction is good, bad or ugly, any film should make a viewer feel something; Neeli Hakki didn’t quite do that, despite an impressive and understated performance by young Aman S Karkera.
Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige is a lost opportunity to present a heart-warming tale of family and relationships. There's an attempt, but it doesn't quite come together cohesively.
Prathibha Joy of OTTplay rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "For the most part, Happy Birthday To Me is a breezy watch, offering the occasional chuckle too.
Prathibha Joy of OTTplay rated the film three-and-a-half out of five stars and described "Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali is for die-hard romantics and those with a soft spot for love stories with praise towards direction, cinematography, music and the acting of the leads.
Prathibha Joy of OTTplay gave it one-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote, "Vijay Raghavendra’s latest is neither a full-fledged thriller or a romantic drama.
Prathibha Joy of OTT Play gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Suriya lives and breathes Kanguva and is his earnest best, but that’s not going to be enough to salvage the film that’s crumbling at all other ends."