Deepa Deosthalee wrote a positive review to the film, calling it "a picture-perfect ode to love" and praising the direction, writing and performances. Khalid Mohamed found the film disappointing, noting it "fine performances, technique and music" but panning its lack "of that crucial element called a story". Anupama Chopra of "India Today" wrote, "Amid the reels of tripe churned out by Bollywood every week, "Dil Se..." is a noble attempt. But coming from Mani, that's simply not good enough." The film was included in Time Magazine's "Best of Bollywood" list in 2010. "Dil Se" was also a hit in Japan.