Thanga Padhumai was released on 10 January 1959. The distribution rights were sold to Ramakrishnan Films who did not release well in its first run in spite of best performance and songs as expected. However, in its second run, the film was bought by Jayaraman Pictures for ₹25,000 and it did well. Kanthan of Kalki appreciated the film for Ganesan and Padmini's performance, noting it would meet fan expectations. At the 6th National Film Awards, it won the award for Best Feature Film in Tamil – Certificate of Merit.
