Radio Drama Review online described it as "poignant and utterly spellbinding". It was spellbinding; he had an absolutely enormous crowd transfixed. Somewhere within this movie's two hours or so is hidden an absolutely spellbinding 90-minute thriller. He applauded how the suspense was built, calling the film "spellbinding". These are spellbinding stories told to the wise King Vikramaditya by the witty ghost Betaal. The temple bespeaks ancient art and culture through its pristine and spellbinding craftsmanship. According to Roger Ebert of the "Chicago Sun-Times", the film is "spellbinding storytelling". It was a triumph of Ramabai's powerful and spellbinding personality. A malevolent "Sirena" may tease and attract human males with its spellbinding songs. Vincent Canby of "The New York Times" described the film as "a spellbinding detective story". Michael Cragg of "The Guardian" found its "sheer musical scope" "spellbinding". The "San Francisco Chronicle" said it was "spellbinding". Lowry had a gift for oratory which one later commentator (William McNeill) described as "spellbinding". They made it to the CSBC Grand Championships, moving on to a spellbinding night premiere. He also commended Paxton's performance as "spellbinding and funny".