While "Guru" is not quite on the same level as Orson Welles' masterpiece "Citizen Kane" (after all, what is?), said the reviewer, "it does rank pretty close in its depiction of the life of a man consumed by his business pursuits and his dreams".

"The film is anchored by Bachchan's terrific performance. As always, Rai is lovely to look at, but she doesn't make much of her character," it added.