Released on 16 January 2004, the film met with mixed response. It was an average at the box office, however later gained appreciation from the audience after making its television premiere in Udaya TV, especially from Vishnuvardhan fans.
All the songs are composed and scored by Deva.[1] One of the songs "Sangathiye" is based on "Oru Pen Pura", composed by Deva for Annaamalai (1992).[2] The song "Chukki Chukki" was partly based on Deva's own Tamil song "Oh Nandini" from the Tamil film Oruvan (1999) while "Baala Gopalana" is partly based on Deva's own Malayalam song "Shyamame" from Malayalam film The Prince (1996), both these films were directed by Krissna.
Deva later reused "Banda Nodamma" as "Gaja Varanda" for Tamil film Gajendra (2004) also directed by Suresh Krissna.
A critic from Deccan Herald wrote that "Producers M B Babu and Kamalakar who made successful films like Soorappa and Kotigobba have tried to do a mishmash of Vishnu’s earlier films to relieve him of his feudal lord image but at the same time give him a macho image through the film".[3] A critic from Chitraloka.com wrote that "Here in this neat package for family and fans this director gives a trouble free film. From the fountain of thought of a director there is a very much needed respite for Kannada audience. In the days of bizarre of ‘Chaku Churi Guns and Bombs’ culture on screen ‘Kadamba’ stands out for its brilliance in screenplay, acting, cinematography and music department".[4] A critic from Viggy wrote that "In a nutshell, Kadamba is truly a 'Habba' (transl. festival) to watch on the screen".[5]
