Muthulakshmi has previously run for office and has political ambitions to make use of her husband's "Robin Hood" image to support her local Vanniyar community.
Randor Guy, a critic from The Hindu praised Ponvayal for its "interesting storyline, humorous dialogue by ATK and performances by Sarangapani, Manohar, Ramachandran, Mynavathi and Muthulakshmi," while concluding that the film would be "remembered for the interesting storyline, catchy music and dances by Susheela."