Karthik Subbaraj brushes off online backlash against his film Dorothy

Director Karthik Subbaraj has answered the online criticism of his new film Dorothy. He says the negative voices on X do not reflect how audiences in theatres have received it. The film centres on the life of a transgender person, and since its release it has drawn both praise and strong reactions on social media.

When he was asked about the critics on X, Subbaraj said the platform itself is a small world, and the people attacking his film are an even smaller one. He said many viewers had responded well to the film, yet the questions he faces keep coming back to posts from a handful of people. Reports say a section of users has been pushing a boycott hashtag against the film, accusing the director of promoting LGBTQ+ ideas.

Subbaraj was just as direct about the film's subject. "If someone has a problem with seeing a transgender's life as just a movie, then that's their internal problem," he said. He asked people who are uneasy about the story to go and watch the film before judging it, and said it could lead to a useful discussion. He also made it clear that he will not fight back against trolls. "If I give a punch for their punch, it'll go on forever," he said.

Dorothy stars Rishikanth, Keerthy Suresh and Sananth, and Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music. According to reports, the story follows two close friends, Karthi and Subbu, who grow up in a patriarchal household in 1990s Madurai. One of them comes out as transgender and faces discrimination, violence and pressure from the people around them.

The film reportedly had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, in the Centrepiece section, where it is said to have received a standing ovation. Reports describe it as the first Tamil film in over a decade to premiere at the festival. It is reportedly produced by Jio Studios and Sikhya Entertainment along with Subbaraj's own Dhammam Films.