Director Shankar Shanmugham has become one of the first to review Vijay Sethupathi's latest theatrical outing, Baththa. Helmed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, the film reunites the actor with his Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom director Balaji Tharaneetharan after Seethakaathi.

The film is backed by director Atlee under his A for Apple Studios banner, alongside Ashwin Murugan, Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee, Alok Jain and Ajith Andhare under the Star Studio 18 and Cine 1 Studios banners. Lijomol Jose plays the female lead in the film, while Sai Prithiv Raj plays a prominent character.

Taking to X, Shankar wrote, "#Baththa – A beautiful movie with a good story, humanity, excellent humour, and moments that deserve applause throughout. Very good casting and performances, and every close-up of every face is just superb. Best-quality & soulful performance by Vijay Sethupathi. The little boy #SaiPrithivRaj deserves a National Award. Lijomol Jose is so natural and graceful."

Praising the story and the music composer, he continued, "Sai Abhyankkar's background score is fresh and unconventional, and it lifts some scenes to another level. So many touching moments filled with innocence and emotion. Congratulations to producers Atlee and Priya for producing such a quality blockbuster." He reserved his last words of praise for the film's director. "One more unforgettable film from director #BalajiTharaneetharan. This is Balaji’s “Life Is Beautiful", he wrote, concluding his review.

On the technical front, the film will feature camera work by Selva Kumar SK, editing by Kalaivanan R and production design by T Muthuraj. The film also has stunt choreographers Stun Siva, U Pruthvi, and Kevin Kumar. Baththa has opened in theatres alongside Nivin Pauly-Soori-Ram's Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, with Jason Sanjay-Sundeep Kishan's Sigma and Ashok Selvan-Preity Mukhundhan's Anbil Avan scheduled for Friday.