Hindustan Times praises Badlapur for its memorable characters, dark storytelling and strong performances, especially Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Varun Dhawan.

Koimoi praises the gritty neo noir treatment and excellent performances from Varun and Nawazuddin, but says the second half drags and weakens the revenge payoff.

Bollywood Hungama calls it cinematic excellence, praising Raghavan's direction and memorable performances from Nawazuddin and Varun, while warning about its violence and gore.

Filmibeat praises Varun's transformation, Nawazuddin and the film's dark revenge narrative, calling it an engaging and performance driven thriller.

TOI calls the film brisk, absorbing and unpredictable, praising its layered screenplay, direction and performances, though the second half wanders slightly.

India TV praises Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Varun Dhawan’s performances and the film’s dark, unconventional revenge story, but finds parts of the narrative slow and less convincing.

India Today praises Varun Dhawan's career best turn, Nawazuddin's outstanding performance and Sriram Raghavan's gripping direction, despite a few unnecessary scenes.

The Indian Express praises the riveting opening and performances, especially Nawazuddin Siddiqui, but finds much of the later storytelling contrived and the ending less effective.